All this week we’re celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2021.
As a teaching hospital, we pride ourselves on developing high quality education and training for all our apprentices – putting them on a path to long-term successful careers with us.
During 2019/2020 – we recorded 265 apprenticeship starts and overall, retain approximately 90% of our apprentices.
Andrew Stone, Apprenticeship Business Manager, at the Health Academy for LTHTR, said: “Apprenticeships form a key part of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals ongoing strategy of recruiting and developing our future workforce, promoting a ‘grow your own’ culture allowing individuals to build long and successful careers with us.”
You can read more about the fantastic achievements some of our apprentices both past and present have achieved below.
Name: Jessica Muchewicz
Age: 35
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Applied Sciences
Why did you choose to complete an apprenticeship at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals? I was already an existing member of staff at the Trust and my manager was keen for me to have the chance to progress in my career and because my qualifications were limited, I was put forward and given this opportunity to further them.
How has your time been at the Trust up to now? I thoroughly enjoy my role working in the laboratory and have gained so much knowledge and experience. I love the team I work with and enjoy the job I do – even if it is messing about with poo and wee!
Proudest achievements during your time as an apprentice? I am not the ‘conventional apprentice’ as I was already a full time member of staff. I was given the opportunity to undertake the apprenticeship to be able to progress in my career as my manager must have had faith in my ability. Since beginning the apprenticeship I have progressed to a higher band – I am now a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant, which I would not be able to be if I was not on this course or going to complete it.
Plans after completing your apprenticeship? I have struggled with doing ‘school work’ again as it has been so long! I have not really thought about any further education after this, I am able to progress to a Band 4 with this qualification which I never dreamt of when starting this role. I probably won’t continue with any education; however I won’t rule it out completely.
Name: Sam Anderton
Age: 20
Apprenticeship: Finance Apprentice
Why did you choose to complete an apprenticeship at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals? I had seen the apprenticeship on the Government Website and it had interested me as I knew of the amount of movement and room for development within the trust.
How has your time been at the Trust up to now? In the last 2 and half years, my time at the trust has been enjoyable and beneficial as I have been supported by my peers through all roles and teams I have been part of.
Proudest achievements during your time as an apprentice? During my time as an apprentice, my proudest moments have been passing my Level 3 AAT with Merit, building good relations with the wider Trust and contributing to the FSD Re-Accreditation of the Finance team.
Plans after completing your apprenticeship? Once I have finished my apprenticeship, I will look at moving up into a band 3 role in order to develop my knowledge and skills further.
Name: Heather Bentham
Age: 25
Apprenticeship: Level 2 and 3 in Business Administration
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals? I decided to complete an apprenticeship as I felt working in the NHS would be a great opportunity for me. When I first looked into it, it was obvious that there would be scope for me to gain great knowledge and experience of different things which would hopefully lead on to the next step in my career. The thought of earning a wage while learning was really appealing to me and I am so glad I chose this pathway as it has helped me to be where I am today. The experience I have gained has been invaluable and I would recommend it to anyone.
How has your time been at the Trust up to now? I started my apprenticeship straight away from leaving school when I was 16 so it was a big change for me when I started working at the Trust. I completed my first apprenticeship, Business Administration Level 2, in October 2012 which helped me in gaining a full time position as an Administration Assistant. Within this role I then went on to complete Business Admin Level 3 which helped me to build a strong skillset and really boosted my confidence. I thoroughly enjoyed my job and the people have always been so welcoming and supportive from all areas. After a few years I realised that I wanted to get into a management role so I applied to complete ILM Level 3 within the Trust. I really enjoyed completing these qualifications and this has helped me to gain my current position which is Education Support Manager within the Mandatory Education Team. It has been challenging at times but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
What is your proudest achievement while working at the Trust? I am proud of how far I have come over the years in gaining my current role. This wouldn’t have been possible without my apprenticeships as they gave me a brilliant start to my career. I never thought at 16 that I would be able to do what I’m doing now so I am very grateful for the opportunities that they have brought me.
Name: India Bowles
Age: 26
Apprenticeship: Level 2 NVQ Business and Administration
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals? I was 19 when I started my apprenticeship, I had finished college and for personal reasons had decided University wasn’t for me. I believed that an apprenticeship was a fantastic way of entering an organisation such as the NHS and would give me the vital skills and knowledge needed for my future career. It was also great to be earning a wage and meeting new people.
How has your time been at the Trust up to now? I have been in the Trust for over 5 years now; I commenced my apprenticeship in the Corporate Governance Team in 2014 and on completion secured a full-time position as Data Quality Administration Assistant in the Data Quality team where I enjoyed 3 fantastic years. In 2018 I decided to try and learn and achieve even more and moved into my current position of Governance & Risk Officer. In my current role I work closely with colleagues from right across the Trust, providing Datix training and supporting the management of Incident’s and Risks.
I feel that Lancashire Teaching Hospitals promotes development and there have been many opportunities for me to further my knowledge and develop my skills. I am excited to see where I will end up in the next 5 years and what new challenges I will face and overcome.
What are some of your proudest achievements as your time as an apprentice? I received a distinction at the end of my apprenticeship which I was extremely proud of. I am nowhere near as shy as I used to be and have grown in confidence. It’s the best decision I have ever made and I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t completed the apprenticeship.
Name: Matt Rostron
Age: 26
Apprenticeship: Pre-Registration Pharmacy technician
Why did you choose to complete an apprenticeship at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals?
I was already working within the trust as a band 3 healthcare assistant so I was familiar with the trust as a whole before I applied. I was aware that LTHTR is a great trust and value those that put the work in, so once I had my foot in the door I wanted to begin a career within healthcare and an apprenticeship seemed to make the most sense without having to go back to university for another degree! Whilst completing an apprenticeship within the NHS you have the added bonus of getting paid whilst learning, which is a huge help.
How has your time been at the Trust up to now? Challenging at times but a very rewarding and never boring! I always go home feeling satisfied with my work and proud that I’m making a direct positive difference for someone.
Proudest achievements during your time as an apprentice? Making lasting friendships within the pharmacy team. Taking charge of certain rotas within the pharmacy department and completing these competently
Plans after completing your apprenticeship?
Staying within the trust and beginning my career within the pharmacy department at LTHTR.
You can find out more about our apprenticeship programmes here: https://www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk/apprenticeships-work-experience/
