The Trust wholeheartedly supports the National Apprenticeship Scheme, employing apprentices aged 16 to 18, who earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff for up to four years to gain job-specific skills and nationally-recognised qualifications.
Several former Trust apprentices in recent years have gone on to take up full-time posts in the hospital after their apprenticeship has finished.
They cover a wide variety of roles, from working in the clinical areas of the Pathology Department, to being part of busy administrative teams.
Alice Finn took up an apprenticeship in the Trust in October 2011 as Patient Information Officer producing patient advice leaflets for the Trust’s medical services, while working towards her Level 2 National Certificate in Business and Administration.
Alice said: “I chose to become an apprentice because I felt it was the ideal first step in my career. It’s a great way to learn because you are working with many different skilled people, who can help you build up your knowledge.
“I love it that each day at work is different and I like it that it’s been hands-on from day one.
“Working and learning within the Trust has given me the chance to meet lots of new people and they’re always willing to give me the help and encouragement I need.
“I appreciate the amount of respect and the warm welcome I was given when I first started here, which boosted my confidence.
“My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is to go for it! It’s so much fun, and you train and gain qualifications, while working and earning a salary. It opens up pathways for your future and makes working more interesting.”
Director of Human Resources at Weston Area Health NHS Trust, Alison Kingscott, said: “The Trust has taken on apprentices regularly over the past five years, and worked largely in conjunction with Weston College to see them through their qualifications.
“It is always heart-warming to see the young people blossom from often quiet and shy teenagers into confident young professionals, whether they stay with us or move on to other interesting workplaces.
“We are very proud to play our part in offering youth employment opportunities in Weston-super-Mare and proud to support National Apprenticeship Week.”
For further information, please contact Caroline Welch on 01934 647091