Open day highlights NHS apprenticeship opportunities

Published: 28 February 2017

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2017 (6-10 March), people of all ages are invited to Torbay Hospital to discover the wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available to them within the NHS.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT), which is responsible for local health and care services, is hosting a drop-in event for prospective apprentices at the Horizon Centre, Torbay Hospital on Monday 6 March (8am – 4pm).

The open day is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the wide range of apprenticeships the local NHS has to offer. Information and advice will available from a wide range of speakers who can help people prepare applications.

The open day will feature information stands and speakers from areas including the NHS Apprenticeship Service, Job Centre Plus, South Devon College, healthcare representatives and the Trust’s Vocational Education Team. There will also be past and current apprentices at the event, allowing the students to gain a valuable insight into the apprenticeship experience at TSDFT.

The Trust currently has over 150 apprentices working towards qualifications in a wide range of roles from Healthcare and Medical Administration to Digital Media and Customer Service.

Suzanne Hubbard, Apprenticeship Development Officer at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Trust is committed to engaging with young people who have an active interest in healthcare and the wider NHS. Having the apprenticeship programme enables us to grow our own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

“As the area’s largest employer, we want to help inspire young people. Our open day event provides a great opportunity to offer a valuable and practical insight on the apprenticeships available within our organisation. Some of our current apprentices will be on hand to share their experiences as well as explain what they have personally gained from taking this route to achieve their career aspirations.

“An apprenticeship allows people at all ages to explore their potential in the NHS and we hope our open day will give a compelling insight into the career opportunities that apprenticeships can provide.”

Chloe Roberts, Apprentice in Trust’s Employability Hub, said: “An apprenticeship is a great way to develop the skills needed to start your career. I chose an apprenticeship at the hospital as it allowed me to learn in a workplace environment, help others, and earn a wage that allowing me to become more independent.

“It has been a fantastic experience and my colleagues have been so supportive as I have progressed and developed in the role. It has given me a variety of opportunities that I did not think I would have at such an early age and I strongly recommend apprenticeships to anyone and for people to pop along to the open day if they’re free.”

Anyone interested in apprenticeships, work experience placements and traineeships should come along to the open day with their CV to talk to our apprentices and speakers who will be on hand throughout the event.

For more information on the Apprenticeship Open Day, please contact the Horizon Centre at Torbay Hospital on 01803 656659.