NHS Trust creates healthcare apprenticeship opportunities

Sunderland College has partnered with one of the UK’s leading NHS Trusts to offer young people and adults the opportunity to take their first steps towards a career in healthcare.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is seeking 18 Apprentice Healthcare Assistants who will develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work in the sector while completing their academic studies.

Each apprentice will be based at Sunderland Royal or South Tyneside District hospitals under the guidance of a Registered Nurse as well as being allocated a Healthcare Assistant who will act as a “buddy” for support.

At the end of their training, which is expected to be around 12 months, the apprentices will achieve a Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Standard and the chance to become a full-time member of staff at the Trust. The qualification and skills they gain will also provide a route into nursing.

Jane Thompson, Group Director for Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning at Education Partnership North East, of which Sunderland College is a part, said: “We are delighted to be furthering our work with the Trust, these are fantastic opportunities for people to have their first steps on a rewarding fulfilling career via an alternative work based route with one of the Region’s largest employers.”

Dennis Little, Head of Workforce Development and Education at the Trust, said:  “This is a great opportunity for people to be trained for work caring for patients in their local hospital. They will gain valuable paid experience, and will complete an apprenticeship qualification and skills, moving into a Healthcare Assistant job on completion. Those who demonstrate the right behaviours and skills to care for patients with compassion, will have access to further development to progress a career as a Registered Nurse.”

The apprentices will deliver all aspects of patient care, undertaking tasks delegated by the Registered Nurse and assisting with any intervention or treatments as required.
Successful candidates will have GCSE Maths & English at 9-4 or A*-c or equivalent, must be resilient and understand the role of a Health Care Assistant.

Upon completion of their apprenticeship, they will be expected to work various shifts on a 24-hour pattern including night shifts.