Our next graduate apprenticeship cohort is now open for applications.
This programme offers staff a chance to gain a degree, develop new skills and broaden their potential progression opportunities, all while staying in their current post.
Here’s the story of Jacqueline Eve, Business Manager for our project to create the new University Hospital Monklands, who recently completed the Business Management Graduate Apprenticeship and has now graduated.
What motivated you to undertake a Graduate Apprenticeship in Business Management while working full time?
I chose the graduate apprenticeship because I wanted to keep developing while working full time. Completing a degree had always been on my list, and this was the perfect opportunity. Gaining a formal qualification has strengthened my skills, boosted my confidence and helped me understand how organisations operate. I liked being able to learn something one day and apply it at work the next. Overall, I wanted to challenge myself and progress professionally.
How did you balance your academic commitments with your role, and what support made the biggest difference?
Balancing study with a full-time role took planning and discipline. I set aside weekly study time, broke tasks into smaller steps and stayed organised to avoid last-minute pressure. My university tutor’s regular check-ins and evening study sessions were incredibly helpful. Supportive colleagues and managers also made a huge difference as they understood the workload and offered flexibility when needed, which made the experience far more manageable.
What skills or knowledge from the programme did you apply directly to your job?
Project management was one of the most useful modules. It helped me plan my workload better, prioritise tasks and manage competing deadlines within the Monklands Replacement Project. Other modules improved my understanding of how organisations make decisions, manage budgets and plan strategically, which has been valuable within NHS Lanarkshire.
How has completing the apprenticeship affected your confidence, capability or career progression?
The apprenticeship has really boosted my confidence and capability. I now feel much more assured in handling tasks, planning ahead and contributing to discussions with different teams. Achieving this qualification while working full time has also strengthened my belief in what I can take on. It’s given me a solid foundation for future roles and opened up opportunities to take on more responsibility.
What value do you feel the graduate apprenticeship brought to your team or to NHS Lanarkshire overall?
It has added real value by improving how I plan, manage tasks and support different areas of the project. Learning while working meant the team benefited immediately from new skills and knowledge.
What advice would you give to someone looking to sign up to our GA programme this year?
Go for it, especially if you want to develop while staying in your current role. The programme is practical, hands-on and everything you learn links directly to your job. Have a good study plan and avoid leaving essays to the last minute. The tutors are brilliant and always willing to help, so make full use of their support.
To apply for a graduate apprenticeship with Glasgow Caledonian University or the University of the West of Scotland, please access the advert and application form at:
We encourage all interested staff to attend one of the universities’ Microsoft Teams information sessions – details are included in the advert. Completed application forms should be sent to NHSLEmployability.HubTeam@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk by 31 May.
