Apprenticeships: strengthening our workforce for the future

National Apprenticeship Week takes place between 10th and 16th February. Now in its 18th year, this annual event encourages everyone to celebrate how apprenticeships and skills help individuals build rewarding careers, and how they help employers develop a workforce with future-ready skills.

At Mid Yorks, we’re seeing the benefits of our apprenticeship programmes firsthand. Since 2024, 125 staff members have successfully completed an apprenticeship. Not only has this enhanced their skills, boosted their confidence, and helped them in their career journeys, it’s also made a huge difference to the services we provide to our patients and staff.

Following the levy starting in 2015, a total of 589 staff have completed an apprenticeship, and right now, we have an impressive 470 apprentices in training. This includes 202 new recruits and over 268 existing staff members undertaking developmental apprenticeships.

Elliot Wilson, who works as an Employee Benefits, Reward, and Recognition Advisor for the Trust, has recently completed the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship.

He shared, “I chose the apprenticeship because it gave me the option to get a degree while still working for the Trust. Studying while working can be challenging, but having supportive managers has really helped. The apprenticeship will open more doors for me in the future and hopefully allow me to progress within the Trust.”

Headshot of Elliot smiling at the camera

While apprentices often take the spotlight, it’s important to recognise how managers and departments benefit from developing their staff too.

Alison Olser, Decontamination Manager, explained: “We currently have 17 Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistants in Decontamination, ranging from school leavers to those further along in their careers. Apprentices bring a new lease of life to the department, introducing fresh talent into what has historically been an aging workforce.

This ensures we continue to develop skilled professionals and secure the future of our services for the wider Mid Yorks community. We’re excited to welcome even more apprentices this year, it’s fantastic for us and for the Trust!”