Celebrating apprentices in the east of England 

National Apprenticeship Week 2022 takes place from 7 to 13 February. Now in its 15th year, the week celebrates the value, benefit, and opportunity that apprenticeships bring. 

Apprenticeships provide routes into a variety of careers in the NHS and are an excellent opportunity to earn, gain work experience and achieve nationally recognised qualifications at the same time. They also provide learning and development opportunities for people already established in the NHS. 

An apprenticeship is a combination of hands-on experience and training, plus vocational learning. There are many levels, from level two up to seven which is equivalent to a master's degree. 

They are relevant in a huge range of careers across the NHS, in clinical and non-clinical roles, from nursing and radiography to HR and management. 

More information about apprenticeships in the NHS is on the health careers website. 

Some HEE staff from the east of England share their experiences of apprenticeships and how they helped them in their NHS careers.  

Rob Brooks, Talent for Care Relationship Manager 

In his current role Rob helps organisations across the region to implement apprenticeship programmes to support their workforce needs. Between 2017 and 2019 he completed a Level 5 HR management programme. This was a mixture of fortnightly attendance at college and online learning, supplemented by work-based learning to develop practical skills. 

Rob said: 

“I chose to do an apprenticeship because of the mixture of theory and practical learning and felt that this was an ideal way to embed this learning.  

“At the time I was responsible for encouraging individuals across my organisation to undertake apprenticeships and I felt that it was an opportunity to practice what I preach. I gained a broader understanding of HR outside of my role in learning and development, meaning I was able to better apply my role in the context of my wider team. 

“Apprenticeships are an amazing way to develop within your role without the financial burden of student loans. They are available at all levels, so regardless of your current educational attainment, you have the opportunity to step on and step off at whichever level is right for you.” 

Bethan Wiles, PA and Administrator 

Bethan’s career with HEE began as a business administration apprentice in January 2020. After finishing sixth form college, she was keen to begin working alongside experienced colleagues and mentors. Bethan worked across a variety of workstreams developing transferable skills such as minute taking, diary management, and preparing meeting documentation. 

Since completing her apprenticeship in March 2021 she has progressed in a variety of positions and currently works as a PA / administrator where she continues to use the skills she developed during her apprenticeship. 

She still works alongside apprentices through the HEE EoE Apprentice Network which allows past and present apprentices to discuss learning experiences and share best practice. 

Bethan said: 

“I would really encourage others to consider an apprenticeship with HEE. The positive experiences and support I had during my apprenticeship have helped me progress to where I am today.” 

John Dix, Quality Support Clerk

John started with HEE as a business and administration apprentice within the quality team, choosing the apprenticeship because he was looking for an experience of working in an office alongside gaining a qualification. His apprenticeship involved supporting the team four days a week and having one day studying, to achieve an NVQ level 2 qualification in business and administration.  

John now has a full-time role within the team providing administration support across areas including finance and contracts.  

John said:  

“It’s a good opportunity to experience what a true job entails, plus gain a useful qualification that will help you along the way.  

“There is always a chance to progress within the organisation after your apprenticeship has finished. I have found HEE encouraging and open when it comes to taking the next step in my career. Most apprentices that I have known during my time here have all gone into full time positions within the organisation.” 

Tilly Toseland, Business Administration Apprentice 

Tilly started her apprenticeship with HEE in December 2020 choosing this route as she was keen to head out into the world of work after finishing school. She had previously completed a level 2 business apprenticeship and was looking for the next step up.  

Her apprenticeship has taken place virtually due to covid, working with her assessor to discuss tasks and regularly review progress. Members of her team also write statements explaining how she has done with tasks and giving feedback.  

Tilly is also supported through apprentice networks which provide ongoing peer support as well as providing advice on work. 

Tilly said:  

“I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship with HEE. The organisation has a wide variety of jobs and has provided me with lots of experience. My team and line manger have been so supportive, they’re always willing to help me whether that be with a task or providing evidence of my progress to my assessor.”

More information about apprenticeships in the NHS is on the health careers website.