AT the start of National Apprenticeships Week from 10 to 16 February, healthcare leaders at NHS England – North West are encouraging people to consider an NHS apprenticeship and avail of the opportunity to provide outstanding care to people.

Over 3,000 people in the North West started an NHS apprenticeship in 2024, equalling over 14 percent of the total apprentices in England, while boosting staffing levels.

Chris Cutts, Regional Director of Workforce, Training and Education at NHS England North West, said: “Apprenticeships offer an excellent way for people to access many of the 350 NHS careers and develop their skills and expertise. There are a range of opportunities at different levels, meaning no matter what your current situation is, there’s a place for you.

“Apprenticeships set people on the path to achieve their long-term career aspiration. You could kickstart your career as a healthcare support worker, or explore one of our fantastic administration, estates or digital apprenticeships. ​They’re not just for people joining the NHS. They allow us to develop our staff, leading to​ careers in registered professions such as nursing and the allied health professions as well as leadership roles.

“Whatever apprenticeship you choose, you’ll make a big difference to patient care from day one and be sure of a rewarding career.”​

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is the biggest week in the apprenticeships and skills calendar. It 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’ to find out more about the range of roles within the NHS and how to apply.

More information on NHS apprenticeships is available here.

Joseph Hubble, Business Administration Apprentice at Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was working at a call centre when he heard about NHS apprenticeships.

Speaking about doing an NHS apprenticeship, he said: “I really liked the idea of building more of a career and it makes you feel proud that you can say you work for the NHS… It has opened many doors as I have learned a lot about businesses in general by undertaking the apprenticeship and how they operate, and by attending college as part of the apprenticeship.

“I’ve also learned a lot about things that people would think everyone should know but in reality, you never get taught things that I think will help me in work but life in general too.”

Joseph has this to say to encourage young people to apply for apprenticeships, “If you don’t apply you will never know what could have been, it can be nerve racking and scary to apply and interview as a young person but once you bite the bullet and do it you will have no regrets it’s all experience that you are building towards your future.”

Kelly Dalton is due to complete her apprenticeship in Commercial Procurement and Supply this year at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

Kelly, who won Procurement Apprentice of the Year for the Northwest at the Skills Development Network event in October 2024, pursued an apprenticeship after finishing university.

She said: “I was eager to explore a different path that would allow me to apply my academic knowledge in a practical, working environment. I decided to pursue an apprenticeship, as it offered the perfect opportunity to learn while gaining real-world experience. The apprenticeship was a transformative experience that significantly boosted my confidence and equipped me with the skills necessary to pursue a senior buyer role.”

Kelly said she gained hands-on experience which helped her build a strong foundation in her chosen field. The on-the-job training exposure has now enabled her to secure a permanent role at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust as a Senior Buyer.

Jacqueline Nutt is a Ward Sister at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She started off in the NHS in 2016 as a healthcare assistant, going on to become a trainee nursing associate in 2017 and then registered nursing associate in 2019. She became a registered nurse in 2021 before finally becoming a ward sister in 2023.

Speaking about her apprenticeship, Jacqueline said: “I’ve been able to progress doing a job that I love with the full support of the Trust. Never in my life did I think that I’d go to university once, never mind twice. Doing an apprenticeship has allowed me to study and be financially stable allowing me to support my family.

“My ambitions going forward are to continue to be in a patient facing clinical role.

The advice that I would give to people at the start of their careers is to make sure that you look after yourself so that you can look after your patients. The role is challenging but rewarding and no two days are the same.”

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.​