Current apprentices include people who have moved into the NHS from a wide range of backgrounds including theatre production, sales, illustration and retail.
While some take up apprenticeships in their teens, others are seizing the chance to change direction later in life, or build on their existing experience and education. Some staff choose to start an apprenticeship after working at the NHS Trust for many years, while others join a programme straight from school or university.
During National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from February 10, the Trust is celebrating all its apprentices and their achievements.
Sue White, Apprenticeship and Employability Manager at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Our apprentices are an essential part of the workforce and are really helping to make a difference. At Leeds Teaching Hospitals we look after people during some of the worst moments of their lives, and apprentices play a vital role in supporting patients and families at these difficult times.
“We have over 850 apprentices in our hospitals, working, earning and learning at the same time. They work in a huge range of services across the Trust, including nursing, dentistry, facilities management, medical engineering, healthcare science, clinical support, and much more. We offer over 60 different types of apprenticeships, at a range of levels.
“Apprenticeships are great for school leavers, but they can also be attractive for those who want to explore a new career – including existing members of staff.
“We aim to support our apprentices’ learning and development so that they get the most out of their opportunities, while building our workforce for the future.”
To find out more about apprenticeships at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, visit https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/careers/apprenticeships/
Case study: Siofra Mckeon-Erskine is a degree apprentice nurse, who was previously an assistant producer at Sheffield Theatres, working on shows including Guys and Dolls and Life of Pi.
She has been training at Leeds Teaching Hospitals for the last three and a half years and is just about to qualify as a Band 5 Registered Nurse.
Siofra said: “I didn’t work in healthcare before, I had a completely different career. I was furloughed during the pandemic, and I just thought, it’s now or never. I saw the apprenticeship at Leeds Teaching Hospitals and I just went for it. It’s been really great – you have a lot of support from your employer.
“My mum’s a nurse and in the back of my head I always thought it would be a brilliant career to get into, I just didn’t think I had the science qualifications and know-how. But I have learned the science along the way because I’m a practical learner.”
“I’d say apply – if you’ve got that niggling feeling, something in the back of your head that it’s something you want to do, just go for it.”
Case study: Dan Wright had a lengthy career in sales before starting work as an Estates maintenance worker in 2022 – he was then given the opportunity to take up a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship.
He said: “Apprenticeships are usually targeted towards school leavers, but they are not. You’re never too old to change your career path.
“The benefits are that you can learn a new skill, and I am supported by my management team which helps a lot. I can also climb the career ladder and progress within my role. My wife definitely sees the benefits because I am better at DIY projects around the house!
“It can literally change your life for the better. It can open doors which you never thought you could open.”
Case study: Lewis Collin did a degree in illustration before changing tack and taking up a medical engineering apprenticeship.
“Choosing an engineering apprenticeship sounds like a drastic change of direction, but I’ve always been interesting in fixing things and working creatively to solve problems, so it wasn’t a difficult decision,” he said.
“I saw the advert for the position at just the right time, and I was really excited by the prospect of getting to learn about and fix interesting electronics and equipment. The opportunities for progression and employment after the apprenticeship are great too, it’s very motivating to feel that I’m setting myself up for an engaging career.”
Case study: Naila Khan, Assistant Facilities Manager, is taking a CMI apprenticeship degree.
“I would highly recommend it for anyone that wants to develop and learn new skills,” she said.
“It makes you feel empowered and have a sense of achievement. The apprenticeship is more flexible as I can still work full time rather than giving up my role and learning directly at a university campus. You gain hands-on experience and can apply your skills immediately.”
Case study: Yahya Chaudhry took a more traditional route to a Medical Engineering Apprenticeship after studying A-level maths, physics and economics.
“I knew I wanted to do something to do with engineering after A levels however I wasn’t set on exactly what type of engineering,” he said. “When I got told by a family friend about this apprenticeship, I read the job description. After reading it I was intrigued and wanted to start learning more about medical engineering right away.
“I also feel very honoured to work at a trust like LTHT as it pioneers and innovates in various ways; for example, in 2012 it became the first trust in the UK to perform a hand transplant.”