Telford College is setting up information stands at Shropshire’s two main hospitals to spread the word about the benefit of apprenticeships.
The college is promoting its wide range of apprenticeships with a series of lunchtime visits to both the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
Business development executive Beckie Bosworth said: “We have a fabulous ongoing relationship with the local hospitals trust, and we will be on site with our promotional stands every six to eight weeks.
“The aim is to speak to existing hospital staff about the range of apprenticeships and qualifications which are now on offer at Telford College, to upskill them in the workplace.
“At our most recent visit to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, we spent a lot of time talking specifically about business administration, medical administration, and health and social care programmes.”
Beckie added: “We have worked with the hospitals trust for more than 10 years, supporting them with their recruitment and apprenticeship programmes, with many fabulous success stories over the years.”
They include Laura Westcott, from Tibberton near Newport, and Morgan Howells, from Priorslee, who work at the Princess Royal Hospital.
Find out what Laura said about apprenticeships below
Laura said: “At the start of my apprenticeship I was quite shy and didn’t feel comfortable communicating with people face-to-face or on the telephone.
“Now, however, it is part of my day-to-day work life and my confidence has grown massively. Within my apprenticeship I have learned a lot about office work, such as basic administrative tasks, as well as organising events, supporting campaigns and hosting stands at careers fairs.
“My apprenticeship has helped me decide that this is the career route that I would like to take, and given me a real insight into how different parts of the NHS run.
“Since completing my NVQ in Business Administration Level 2, I have been offered a permanent role within The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust and I am now undertaking my NVQ in Business Administration Level 3 so that I can keep progressing within the workplace.”
Morgan Howells, a former Wrockwardine Wood School student, was given the opportunity to work in the Women and Children’s Centre at the Princess Royal Hospital as an apprentice.
What did Morgan say about apprenticeships?
She said: “Since starting in September 2016, I’ve gained a huge amount of confidence in my work and in myself. I have enjoyed being an apprentice as I have completed my business administration qualifications.
“I was offered a permanent position supporting the specialist midwives less than a year after starting my apprenticeship, and am now working towards my level three.
“I’ve had chance to learn about the different job roles that maternity consists of, see what happens behind the scene, as well as understanding what different pathways a patient takes when coming into the hospital. I’m proud to be a member of team.’’
Apprenticeships will be in the spotlight at Telford College’s next open event 10.30am – 12.30pm Saturday 10 March, when there will also be a showcase of the latest virtual reality learning technology at the Haybridge campus.
It includes a virtual reality ‘cave’ which transports people to working environments around the country, plus headsets, and driving and football simulators.
For more information on latest apprenticeship vacancies, see www.telfordcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeship-vacancies. To register for the college open event, see www.defineyourfuture.co.uk
