Last week we celebrated our 50th Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) Apprenticeship Cohort starting at CHFT. Our HCSW apprentices are with us for 18 months after which they can become Healthcare Support Workers or progress into nursing, midwifery, or an allied health profession.

Some of our 50th cohort (pictured) shared their thoughts with us:

Lilli said: "I’m excited to be part of a team that values taking care of others", whilst Erin said: "It’s an exciting opportunity that opens doors". Aimee added: ‘It’s a spectacular opportunity that allows me to train without going to university".

We have also been hearing from a few of our previous apprentices:

Kamaya Hyde-James, said: "Being an apprentice at CHFT has given me the opportunity to learn valuable skills while gaining hands on experience in a supportive and encouraging environment. It’s been a great way to develop both professionally and personally, while making a positive contribution to patient care and the wider team."

Maryam Daji, said: "Being an apprentice at CHFT has given me the opportunity to develop my skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a supportive and encouraging environment. It’s been a great way to learn, grow in confidence, and make a meaningful contribution to patient care while working alongside experienced colleagues."

Head of Widening Participation, Rebecca Beaumont, said: "I am so proud to welcome our 50th cohort of HCSW apprentices. It is fantastic to see them shine during their time here at CHFT. It is great we are able to support apprentices in this way, thanks to the support and encouragement of our colleagues who they work with. It is great that so many clinical apprentices choose to come back to work at CHFT which is a testament to the fantastic experience they have with us."

Our 50th cohort apprentices pictured are: Ethan, Ryan, Lewis, Lu'ay and Jamie (back row), Aimee, Natalie, Lilli, Amina, Lacey (middle), Erin, Gracie, Paris, Elizabeth (front).