At HDFT we are committed to investing in the development of our staff and offer a wide range of training opportunities to support career development. Apprenticeships are just one of those opportunities and we are proud to offer an exciting range of apprenticeships across our clinical and non-clinical services. They are a great way to progress your career, whether it is developing new skills to do your existing job better or training to take up a new post.
Watch the Choose an Apprenticeship video, produced by the National Skills Academy for Health, to learn more about why you should choose an apprenticeship in the NHS.
What is an Apprenticeship?
First and foremost an Apprenticeship is a job with a programme of study attached. Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain a recognised qualification, whilst acquiring valuable work experience, developing new skills and knowledge and earning a salary. This is gained through a mix of learning in the workplace and formal ‘off-the-job’ training.
There is no upper age limit to undertaking an apprenticeship. Neither is there a limit on the number of apprenticeships a person can complete, as long as there is more new learning between different apprenticeship programmes. All our apprenticeship programmes are fully funded.
Who are our apprenticeships for?
An apprentice maybe a newly recruited member of staff who is employed on an apprenticeship contract to train for a new role or an existing member of staff who is undertaking an apprenticeship as part of their career development. We offer apprenticeships at Level’s 2 to level 7. The programmes range from 12 months to 5 years.
We offer a number apprenticeship programmes in a variety of departments and services across HDFT. Some of our existing apprenticeships include:
Clinical: Nursing, Nurse Associate, Pharmacy Technician, Advanced Clinical Practice, Operating Department Practitioner, Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Assistant Practitioner.
Non Clinical: Business Administration, Leadership and Management, Customer Service, Human Resources, Finance and Data management.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
If you don’t currently work for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust then visit NHS Jobs or HDFT Careers to find out if we have any current vacancies. All our apprenticeship roles will include ‘apprentice’ within the role title.
Already a part of HDFT? Visit Learning lab and enrol on Apprenticeships to find out more information.
What do our apprentices say?
Kelly, Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner, in our Theatres Department says:
“When I first applied for this role, there was over 70 applicants therefore it was highly competitive and I didn’t expect to be shortlisted for an interview, let alone be offered a position and to now be 4 months off finishing- that in itself is a massive achievement for me.
I would advise anybody that is curious about the apprenticeship schemes available within healthcare to explore the different avenues available and enquire about what there is to offer as they are truly an excellent way to progress, if the thought of being an undergraduate at university isn’t appealing to them. I would advise anybody not to put pressure on themselves as committing to a university course, with it being 3 years for me, is a huge commitment, therefore, wait until the time is right for you before fully engaging in an apprenticeship course. Equally, take that leap of faith, as it was the best thing I have ever done.”
Saritha, one of our Apprentice Advanced Clinical Practitioners advice to others about undertaking an apprenticeship is;
“This is a great opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge and thereby fulfilling your goals or career prospects.
And also, an apprenticeship route is an excellent way of gaining work experience and to achieve a recognisable qualification. I would definitely encourage others to take this route which will not only help you to accomplish your visions but also to help the organisations like NHS to develop and transform the future services.”
Sarah and Charlotte who are Apprentice Accountants say when it comes to maintaining a good work life balance.
“I plan my work, study and home life to ensure that I study little and often so that my studies don’t become too overwhelming. I schedule in relaxation to make sure I completely shut off from work and studying”.
“It can be tough but I’ve got great support at work. It is a big adjustment when you first start but you soon learn that you can only do what you can. I have found it useful to plan my day out, use my calendar to block time out to get work done. Focusing on one thing at a time also helps.”