The NHS’s lead for workforce and training in the East of England is this week encouraging people to consider an NHS apprenticeship as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

More than 20,000 people started an NHS apprenticeship across the country last year, with nearly 2,300 of those within the East of England – providing more opportunities for people to build rewarding careers in the NHS, whilst also boosting staffing levels in the region.

Phil Carver, regional director of workforce, training and education at the NHS in the East of England said: “There are more than 350 rewarding careers on offer in the NHS, with apprenticeships offering a gateway to the start of a fulfilling career.

“From frontline nurses or healthcare support workers to digital and analytical specialists, through to vital support functions such as HR or administration, there really is something for everyone.

“Apprenticeships are not only for those joining the NHS for the first time. Whatever apprenticeship you choose, you’ll be sure of a rewarding career and play your part in making a difference to patient care in the East of England.”

Apprenticeships are a mix of on-the-job training and classroom learning meaning you can earn while you learn. Apprentices usually spend four days on a work placement and one day at a training centre or college. They can take between one and five years to complete. Many NHS apprentices are also offered a permanent job at the end of their learning.

Rob Blowers has recently completed a learning disability nurse apprenticeship, which allowed him to study for a learning disability nursing degree whilst still working. Once fully qualified, Rob will become a learning disability nurse for Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust.

Rob said: “As an older student with a mortgage and other responsibilities, leaving my job to study full-time was not an option for me. But with the apprenticeship route, I could learn while I earned.

“If you are thinking about an apprenticeship, go for it. Don’t let age or fear of the unknown put you off. For a long time, I had no idea where my career was heading, but thanks to an apprenticeship I’ve reached my goal of training as a learning disability nurse, which has opened up so many opportunities for me.”

Katherine Schumann-Pratt started a business administration apprenticeship in the NHS in 2014 after finishing sixth form and after progressing in several different roles since, is now NHS England – East of England’s lead for governance and risk management.

Katherine said: “I’d worked part-time during college, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do next, and I wasn’t ready to commit to university. The apprenticeship route offered me the opportunity to ‘earn whilst I learned’, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

“I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone – whether it’s the first step on your career ladder or a qualification alongside an existing role. You can gain knowledge, experience and a qualification all at the same time, setting you in good stead for your next steps.”

Oliver Inwards has benefitted from three different apprenticeships in the NHS since first joining in 2014. Now, 11 years on, he has achieved his Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship and is helping others kickstart their own careers as an apprenticeships manager for NHS England – East of England.

Oliver said: “It’s so rewarding to meet apprentices amongst our region’s NHS workforce, who otherwise may not be doing the great work they do if training through an apprenticeship programme had not been an option.

“Apprenticeships were my route into the NHS, and they are my passion, so I feel extremely privileged to help other apprentices thrive in the East of England for the benefit of staff and patients.”

National Apprenticeship Week is the biggest week in the apprenticeships and skills calendar and takes place from 10 to 16 February 2025. The week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships and skills to celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that they bring.

If you think the NHS could be the career for you, search ‘NHS careers’ or visit the NHS Health Careers website to find out more about the range of roles within the NHS and how to apply.