This week we're celebrating National Apprenticeship Week. Our 378 clinical and non-clinical apprentices work in all different roles, with our various clinical apprenticeships offering alternate ways to become a registered nurse.
Here are the clinical apprenticeship roles on offer:
Clinical Apprenticeship
A clinical apprenticeship is an 18-month apprenticeship which enables participants to become Healthcare Support Workers after completion.
One of our current clinical apprentices, Amy Williams, said: "I am just over half-way through my clinical apprenticeship, and I am loving every minute of it. My goal is to be a neonatal nurse or a midwife, and I knew an apprenticeship was the path I wanted to take to get me there. After I complete this apprenticeship, my next steps are to complete my Trainee Nursing Associate apprenticeship or my midwifery apprenticeship. This will help me achieve what I have dreamt of since I was young."
Newly qualified Healthcare Support Worker, Mohammad Rakhman, said: "When I first began my apprenticeship, I felt a wave of nervousness, but that quickly faded thanks to the welcoming environment of the Medical Outpatients Department. Reflecting on my journey, I’m thrilled I chose the apprenticeship pathway. It has given me a robust foundation in the NHS, equipping me with both the skills and confidence to thrive in healthcare. This experience has solidified my belief that apprenticeships are an invaluable stepping stone for anyone aspiring to build a meaningful career while contributing to patient care."
After completing a clinical apprenticeship, participants have the option to choose to do a Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) apprenticeship.
Trainee Nursing Associate Apprenticeship - recruitment of internal applicants is underway now
The TNA apprenticeship is a two year full-time course which results in a Nursing Associate Foundation Degree. It is designed to enable Healthcare Support Workers to become qualified Nursing Associates. We are currently recruiting for TNA apprentices, so if this interests you, please see the advert on TRAC for more information.
TNA, Cassie Kirk, said: "It was a challenge to begin with as I was studying, working, being a mum and everything else in between! However, I talked this through with CHFT's Clinical Education Team and they provided me with tools and strategies to make things easier. The TNA programme is an excellent way to gain a foundation degree whilst also working. You are able to safely put theory into practice, solidifying knowledge and skills as well as confidence."
Photographed (main image) is our latest group of newly-graduated TNA's. Once a TNA has graduated they have the option to go on to complete a Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA). More information on nursing associates can be found in the document below.
Registered Nursing Degree Apprentice
This apprenticeship enables qualified nursing associates to progress their careers and become qualified registered nurses. It is done via the Open University and our next cohort is due to start around October.
Current RNDA, Vicky Atkinson, said: "Allowing me to complete an apprenticeship to become a registered nurse has been a fantastic opportunity. I am really enjoying both the practical and the academic side, and what I learn academically, I enjoy applying into practice. I would encourage people to apply for an apprenticeship, there is a lot of support and is a brilliant opportunity."
If you are interested in finding out more about our apprenticeships please see the intranet or contact the Clinical Education Team by email at CET@cht.nhs.uk
