It’s National Apprenticeship Week – What’s happening this week?

10 February, 2022

The 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week is taking place this week. National Apprenticeship Week is a great way to showcase how apprenticeships have helped employers of all sizes and sectors, and people of all ages and backgrounds.

An event listing for the week can be accessed here.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week NHS Employers has shared some statistics on apprenticeship starts.

In the 2020/21 financial year, the NHS had impressively recruited 37,500 apprentices (2.9 per cent) and had in total 1.6 per cent of employees starting apprenticeships, an amazing achievement during a national pandemic and the largest cohort that the service has seen.

Click here to read more.

Health Education England’s Chief Nurse and Senior Responsible Officer for Apprenticeships, Professor Mark Radford CBE, thanked apprentices for their contribution:

 “Apprenticeships are proven to have huge benefits for employers and apprentices alike. Despite the challenges of the past few years, NHS employers excelled themselves last year by supporting 24,500 people into apprenticeship programmes. I’d like to thank them, and all our apprentices, for their important contributions to the NHS workforce.

You can read more here.

The various trusts across the country have been celebrating and highlighting the fantastic apprentices they have at their trusts.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has been celebrating degree apprentices this week. One of these apprentices is Tracy Spencer. Tracy has completed the Level 6 Registered Nurse – Degree (NMC 2018) apprenticeship.

“I’ve worked my way up through healthcare, had some outstanding study support, and I know this is what I’m meant to do. If you have a dream career, go for it – I’m beyond happy that I did.”

Click here to find out more about Tracy and other apprentice journeys.

Meet Kirsty! Kirsty is currently working as an apprentice in the operating theatre department at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Harriet Andrews completed a Level 6 Registered Nurse Degree (NMC 2018) apprenticeship in October in Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

“And now I’m finally working as a registered nurse, supporting others doing the very same courses that I completed, and helping nurture the next generation of nurses.”

Read more about Harriet’s journey here.

James Page is currently undertaking a Level 6 Occupational Therapist (integrated degree) apprenticeship. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists are celebrating occupational therapy apprenticeships for National Apprenticeship Week, click here to find out more about James and other apprentices.

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust highlighted some of the great apprentices at their trust. Learn more about Harry, a former Healthcare Assistant, here.

Harry successfully completed his apprenticeship in 2021, and will soon be progressing on to the Trainee Nursing Associate Foundation Degree Apprenticeship!