During National Apprenticeship Week this week (8th – 14th February) North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is celebrating their apprentices and the positive impact they have.
The Trust is currently supporting over 250 apprentices to learn while working to gain professional qualifications that provide them with training and development to have a lasting career in the NHS.
We currently have 258 apprentices over 23 different apprenticeship programmes. During the last year we have had 93 new starters including 31 Senior Leaders & 40 Registered Nurse Degrees. We have also had 59 apprentices complete their qualification including 21 Assistant Practitioners, 14 Nursing Associates & 11 Registered Nurses.
Louise Willis, Clinical Services Manager decided to add to her current skillset and undertake the Senior Leadership Apprenticeship Programme. Louise set out to develop her leadership role through the work based learning programme as it appealed to her learning style.
Louise said of her apprenticeship: “Initially it was a leap of faith as I hadn’t been involved in University Academia for over 20 years and it was intense at the start. Along the way I have forged strong friendships both within and outside of the Trust that have given me a different perspective”
Apprentice Molly Dargue, has completed a number of apprenticeships on her journey to her dream role. Molly is currently undertaking the Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship through the Trust and the Open University. The programme consists of a 3 year secondment with the trust, which will include placements, combined with 7.5 hours study at the Open University.
Molly said: “As soon as I began working as a Health Care Assistant I knew this type of role was for me and was supported to develop myself further to undertake a nursing degree. When I qualify I plan to return to my base as a Community Staff Nurse for the Penrith District Nurses.”
Apprentices are a huge part of our NCIC family; we recognise the importance of nurturing the talent we already have within our existing workforce. NCIC offer a variety of apprenticeships, including healthcare, administration, customer services, estates and facilities and IT, primarily to its existing workforce.
Justine Steele, Director of Workforce & Organisational Development said, “It’s an uncertain time at the moment, so apprenticeships are an attractive option for people to learn and secure professional qualifications while they work with us. It’s also an important part of our plans to develop or workforce. The NHS offers employees a secure career path and we offer a range of apprenticeships at all levels, particularly for existing staff looking to develop their careers.”
Find out more about apprenticeships or careers in the NHS. https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/careers/apprenticeships or email us at apprenticeships@ncic.nhs.uk