NHS Yorkshire and the Humber is using apprenticeships as a mainstream approach to developing the skills of its support staff workforce. In 2009/10 over two thousand apprenticeship opportunities were offered across the region. NHS organisations are using apprenticeships to both attract new recruits and to train our support staff.

All NHS Trusts have reported the positive impact that apprenticeships are having on their organisations. Apprentices in the region are themselves experiencing the benefits of following apprenticeships programmes and nationally apprenticeships continue to be a government priority for 2010/11.

An apprenticeship is based in on the job training in order to give apprentices the opportunity to develop the skills needed for the workplace. All apprenticeships consist of national vocational qualifications (NVQ), a technical certificate and literary and numeracy skills. There are more than 80 different apprenticeships available in the health sector, with roles ranging from health care assistant through to plumbing and electrical engineering.  

In Yorkshire and the Humber region all new NHS apprenticeship vacancies are advertised through the National Apprenticeship Vacancy Site. If you are interested in a career in the NHS and considering an apprenticeship you are advised to visit the site. Many apprenticeship opportunities are also advertised on the NHS jobs website and through Job Centre Plus and Connexions.

General information on apprenticeships and frequently asked questions can be accessed from the National Apprenticeship website and/or the Skills for Health website. Both sites have information on the range of qualifications and job roles as well as information for potential apprentices, employers and manager.

In this region NHS apprenticeships are centrally co-ordinated through NHS Yorkshire and the Humber. Each NHS Trust has a named apprenticeship lead.

For further information or queries relating to apprenticeships in the region please contact Alison Ackew, apprenticeship lead at NHS Yorkshire the Humber.

Case studies

Apprentices working in the NHS in Yorkshire and the Humber region have been telling use their story, please see below.

Emily Shaw Data Clerical Officer (23.5KB)

Thom Davison Administrative Assistant(2) (24KB)

Kirsty Barwick Bradford District Care Trust (23.5KB)

Updated 21st February 2011