There are exciting opportunities available to gain a degree while working full time with our graduate apprenticeships.
At NHS Lanarkshire, we have a long standing relationship with Glasgow Caledonian University and have seen a vast number of staff go through their graduate apprenticeship programmes within business management and IT. We are now recruiting for a new cohort of graduate apprentices that will start their studies in September, enhancing their knowledge and skills which will help them to progress in their careers by gaining a degree, while still working full-time in their current NHS Lanarkshire posts. This year we are also partnering with University West of Scotland to offer a new opportunity in project management. We are looking forward to working with our next cohort of NHSL graduate apprentices and seeing them develop professionally.
The employability team recently spoke to Barry Gordon, an Infrastructure Engineer in our eHealth/ICT department, who began a graduate apprenticeship in 2023 within business management with GCU about his experiences on this programme.
 Why did you apply for the graduate apprenticeship?
I applied to become a graduate apprentice to fulfil my career goals; progression and personal development are very important to me and this is another step that needs to be taken in order to achieve my goals.
 What do you find rewarding/useful about undertaking your graduate apprenticeship?
Any academic qualification is rewarding by nature but to look at the micro-environment of the qualification, I would say the various modules are very useful. The modules give insight into various aspects of management which will help me in my future career. Learning to write academically is also a huge plus and I have utilised this in my report writing.
 What do you find challenging about undertaking your GA?
I am a full time employee and a full time father. Splitting time between family, work and my studies is incredibly difficult but ultimately rewarding.
 What supports are available to you, from the University and your employer, when you were going through your GA?
Support from the University is basic, things such as help with academic writing and how to use the library etc. My employer has very encouraging allowing time off for studies. My manager recently completed his degree and has been hugely influential in my decision to attend university.
 What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a GA while working full time?
My advice would be to make sure it is something that you want to do. Please know that it is very challenging and you must be able to commit. If you can’t commit you won’t achieve. Seek advice from other students if you are thinking of taking on the challenge.
If you are interested in applying for this year’s programme, please visit our advert to find out more about the frameworks available and complete our application form. You can also join one of our information sessions over Teams:
If you have any questions, you can contact the Employability Team: NHSLEmployability.HubTeam@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
