Stepping Hill Hospital Showcases Apprenticeship Success During National Awareness Week
Specialist pharmacy technician Marie Axon from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is spearheading efforts to highlight the multifaceted benefits of apprenticeships as part of National Apprenticeship Week, running from February 9th to 15th. The annual celebration emphasises how apprenticeship programmes positively impact not only participants but also their colleagues and the patients they serve across healthcare settings.
Comprehensive Events and Educational Promotion
Learning and education staff at the trust, which operates Stepping Hill Hospital alongside community NHS services throughout Stockport, are collaborating closely with key apprenticeship providers to organise a series of engaging events and activities. These include virtual webinars designed to inform and inspire. Additionally, the trust is using this dedicated week to promote T-Level qualifications, further broadening educational pathways for aspiring healthcare professionals.
A Diverse and Growing Apprentice Workforce
Currently, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust employs over 217 apprentices in a wide array of departments. These roles span clinical healthcare support, business administration, catering, and cleaning services. The apprenticeship opportunities are extensive, ranging from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) to advanced Level 7 (Master's degree level) programmes, available both within the hospital environment and out in the community.
Boosting Productivity in Key Departments
One notable area benefiting from the apprenticeship scheme is the hospital's inpatient pharmacy, which has supported more than 20 apprentices to date, with ten currently working in the department. Specialist pharmacy technician Marie Axon reports that the integration of apprentices has led to measurable improvements in departmental productivity and a reduction in staff turnover.
"It is so good to see staff supporting one another and bringing their different skill sets to help produce a much more productive department," Marie commented. "By continuing to offer opportunities it improves staff confidence, skills, knowledge, health and wellbeing, and productivity. If you have the chance, do it!"
Professional Development in Financial Services
The hospital's financial department represents another success story, having hosted ten apprentices in recent years. Staff in this team are employed on permanent contracts while simultaneously studying for professional qualifications via the apprenticeship route. Financial services manager Sandra Platt attests to the significant support that apprentices bring to her team.
"Having apprentices on board is a really positive experience," Sandra stated. "We would continue to support apprentices within the division as I have found that if you show your employee that you want to invest in their future training, they fully interact with all aspects of their role and their department and are generally eager to learn new tasks. Seeing your staff grow and being a part of their development is lovely to see, knowing you have encouraged them."
Strong Partnerships for Training Excellence
The trust has established robust partnerships with several leading organisations to deliver its apprenticeship schemes. Key partners include the University of Manchester, University of Salford, University of Bolton, Sheffield Hallam University, Manchester Metropolitan University, BPP Training, DBC Training, and QA Ltd. These collaborations ensure high-quality, accredited training pathways for apprentices.
Leadership Endorsement of Apprenticeship Value
Amanda Bromley, Director of People and Organisational Development at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, underscored the critical role apprentices play within the NHS workforce. "An apprenticeship can be a hugely rewarding way of either starting off or progressing within a career, and they also bring great value and support into the areas in which the staff work," she said. "Apprentices form a vital and valued part of our workforce here in Stockport’s NHS."
Stepping Hill Hospital is a key healthcare facility located in Stockport, Greater Manchester, serving the local community with a wide range of medical services and now, as demonstrated, a strong commitment to workforce development through apprenticeships.
