Learn About Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a real job with training, where you earn a wage, gain hands-on experience, and work towards a nationally recognized qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll have a contract of employment, paid holiday, and the support you need to succeed.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to progress in your chosen career.

You can start your apprenticeship journey in two ways:

• Apply for an advertised apprenticeship vacancy within the Trust.
• Begin an apprenticeship in your current role as a way to upskill and develop your career.

An apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence, and expand your existing knowledge. It’s a rewarding experience that often includes time spent with other members of your team, learning about their roles and how the wider service works.

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll have dedicated Off-the-Job training hours, which could include:

• Writing assignments
• Shadowing colleagues
• Attending webinars or workshops
• Participating in events

You’ll also benefit from regular check-ins with your apprenticeship coach or assessor, ensuring you stay on track and feel supported throughout your journey.

Some apprenticeships include university-based learning, where you may spend time on campus or take part in rotations across different departments and Trusts to gain broader experience.

There are two ways you can start your apprenticeship journey:

1. If you’re already employed by the Trust
You can complete our online application form and arrange a meeting with our Apprenticeship Training Manager to discuss your options.

2. If you’re looking to join the NHS as an apprentice

Explore current apprenticeship vacancies on the NHS Jobs website: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk

An apprenticeship can be an excellent way to develop your career or gain a qualification you may not have had the chance to pursue before. Designed to complement your current role, apprenticeships are supportive, practical, and informative, helping you learn while you work.

However, apprenticeships aren’t for everyone. They involve self-directed study, and some people may prefer a traditional classroom environment, such as college-based learning.

If you’re unsure whether an apprenticeship is the best fit, contact our Apprenticeship Manager for a 1:1 session. We’ll help you:

• Explore your needs and career goals
• Provide examples of the type of work you’ll undertake
• Arrange introductions to training providers
• Speak with your manager alongside you

We’re here to make sure you choose the path that works best for you.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be assessed to ensure you’re developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for your chosen role.

At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA). This is an independent evaluation carried out by an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) to confirm you are fully competent in your occupation.

Your EPA typically includes:

• A practical demonstration of your skills
• A professional discussion with an assessor to showcase your learning and ability

Your employer or training provider will guide you through what to expect and when your assessment will take place, as the exact process depends on the apprenticeship standard you’re completing.

Your apprenticeship experience will depend on the programme designed by your training provider. Even for the same apprenticeship, training can vary between providers. 

To give you an idea, here are some examples of what you might expect:

• Face-to-face workshops
• Online workshops
• On-demand, self-guided e-learning modules
• 1-to-1 tutor sessions
• Classroom-based learning
• Innovative methods such as gamification, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR)
• 
  

Some providers may focus on one type of learning, while others offer a blended approach to suit different learning styles.