Royal supports National Apprenticeship Week
The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is preparing to celebrate ‘National Apprenticeship Week’ by promoting the various different apprenticeship opportunities in healthcare.
Ahead of the week, which runs from 6-10 March, The Royal is advertising various apprentice positions in Administration, Theatres, Endoscopy and a range of clinical services.
One of the current apprentices at the NHS hospital is 18 year-old Alicia Birtles who started her apprenticeship after leaving sixth form. She is currently doing a 2 year apprenticeship which could lead to a role as a qualified Pharmacy Technician.
Alicia said:-
“I’d recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone. It’s a fantastic way to learn new skills and start a career in the NHS. I’ve been made to feel so welcome and have really enjoyed working alongside the other Pharmacy apprentices, Beth and Laura. You get the best of both worlds in the sense that you’re gaining experience whilst learning from the professionals so you have an idea of what to expect from the job if I make it as a Pharmacy Technician.”
Ellie Varley, completed her Pharmacy apprenticeship in 2016 and has just secured a permanent job at The Royal. Ellie said, “You really have to put hard work into an apprenticeship but it’s worth it for the opportunities that open up afterwards. It’s completely different from classroom learning and gets you used to what it’s like having a career. It’s not just the responsibilities of the job, it’s about your responsibilities, getting here on time, working with and dealing with other people. It’s another way of learning a skill and it’s really paid off for me with a full time job doing something that I enjoy.”
Martin Shepherd, Head of Medicines Management, said:-
“The apprenticeship initiative plays a vital role in supporting the training of pharmacy technicians who undertake such important work in the safe and effective management of medicines for patients cared for by the hospital. The enthusiasm, energy and dedication of the young people who we have trained, and are currently training with us, is very encouraging and serves as inspiration to all members of the pharmacy team.”
Hayley Watts, Apprenticeship Champion, said:-
‘We’re very keen on supporting our local community and helping people to start their careers in healthcare here with us at The Royal. We’ve always supported apprentices and our managers are only too aware of the benefits that welcoming a new individual with fresh ideas and skills can bring’.
Organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, National Apprentice Week is designed to promote the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, organisations and the economy.
The week will bring together employers and apprentices from across England to celebrate the success of apprenticeships and encourage even more people to take it as an opportunity to put themselves on the road to a great career.
