A TRAINING body is helping to drive forward the skills agenda in the West Midlands by working in partnership with the National Health Service.
Apprentices are vital in bringing in fresh talent and creating diversity within the NHS, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) said.
The NAS said that last year, Primary Care Trusts in the West Midlands employed 1,454 apprentices with more than half (52%) of these being under the age of 25. This it said, was having a significant positive impact on the NHS which is facing the time bomb of an ageing work force.
Stephen Lilley, Apprenticeship director at the NAS West Midlands, said: “The NHS has a number of challenges ahead, and central to meeting these is the creation of a diverse and dynamic workforce. Employing apprentices is a key element of this and we are delighted that the NHS in the West Midlands has embraced Apprenticeships in the healthcare sector.
“By working closely in partnership with Primary Care Trusts, the Strategic Health Authority and the Skills Funding Agency, and comprehensively scoping the organisational need we are confident that the momentum in apprenticeship activity is sustainable for future years.”
Apprenticeships remain high on the skills agenda and the West Midlands is on target to recruit a further 1,722 apprentices in 2010/11 into the healthcare sector, with a continued focus on young people.
One of those to have benefitted from the programme is Katy Groves, who is now working as a discharge liaison nurse after doing an apprenticeship at Walsall Manor Hospital.
Katy, 24, said: “Before starting the apprenticeship I knew I wanted to be a nurse, but did not know what the different roles involved. I used the apprenticeship as an opportunity to help me decide and get a better understanding of the industry.
“During my time as an apprentice I had the opportunity to work alongside physio and occupational therapists, observe tests and deliver personal care.”
Mark Ingram, vocational programme manager at Walsall Hospitals, added: “Katy is an example of what you can achieve with an apprenticeship and the real benefits apprentices can be to the healthcare sector.
“Walsall Manor Hospital employs 20 apprentices every year, from a variety of backgrounds, and considers them to be a vital part of our workforce.”
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