New Data and Analytics apprentices at Health Education England are joining in the celebrations for National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February), after their success in completing the first milestone in a new pilot apprenticeship scheme.
As part of a campaign to develop NHS workforce data analysts for the future and increase data and analytics capability and capacity, Health Education England recently recruited its first regional cohort of nine apprentices in the south west region.
The Data and Analytics apprentices have just completed their first milestone in the project, a three month data orientation course at HEE. The two year apprenticeship programme which comprises a three month data orientation course followed by a work-based placement will allow the apprentices to join ICBs and regional teams across the South West area to complete their Level 4 apprenticeship.
The data orientation course was facilitated and delivered by the HEE's SW Workforce Planning and Intelligence Team and was a comprehensive package designed to develop foundation skills through formal courses followed by practical application across a broad range of skills, including advanced excel skills, presentation skills, Power BI, Tableau and Project Management. The apprentices also got an introduction to transformation and operational planning.
The nine apprentices have now started their formal level 4 apprenticeship and will undertake their first residential training package towards the end of February, before joining the ICBs and regional teams across the South West.
HEE South West is the first region to deliver a collective data and analytics apprenticeship and develop our workforce in this way. It is hoped that the apprentices, who are already very capable, will add real value and on completion take their place in permanent roles across the region.
Meet our Data and Analytics Apprentices:
Considering three months ago I had never even opened an excel workbook, I am very pleased with the progress I have made in such a short amount of time. It has been amazing working with the HEE team and the other apprentices over the course of the intense training period learning all about data analytics and forming connections that will benefit me later on in my career – Silas Walker.
The apprenticeship training was a great learning experience for me, it has deepened my understanding of data visualization and analysis. I gained valuable skills in using tools such as Tableau, Excel, and Power BI. In the future, I would look for opportunities to further develop my data analysis skills and work with more advanced tools and techniques to drive better insights and decision-making – Nadin Alhamshary.
It has been amazing working with the HEE Team and the other apprentices over the course of the intense training period learning all about Data analytics and forming connections that will benefit me later on in my career. Personally, at times it felt like a bit of a squeeze. However, I am now looking forward to moving onto the next stage with HEE and improving upon my skillset – Jack Gibney.
So far I’ve really enjoyed the apprenticeship. Every day I feel like I’ve learnt something new, and it’s been satisfying to be able to put what I’ve learnt into practice. Whilst the first 3 months have been full on, I feel like I’m in a good position to be able to transition into my new role with Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board. - Thomas Baylis.
My apprenticeship has given me so many skills from increasing my confidence to improving my communication skills. I’d recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone. There is no better way of gaining direct industry experience. So far, I haven’t looked back – Trish Pidek.
The first 3 months of the apprenticeship have been definitely intense, but I have appreciated the 3-month sort of bootcamp to get us to a certain level. I feel confident and ready to start working with my Integrated Care Board.. The training has been to a good level that it has stretched me but not been so hard that I become demotivated – Krae Bell.
I have learnt a lot and enjoyed it. The content has been well-organised and structured whilst feeling supported as the group communicates well - William Barnicle.
Email engagement.sw@hee.nhs.uk for further information.