August is always an exciting time for NHS Lanarkshire’s employability team as they celebrate the completion of a cohort of modern apprentices while welcoming a new group of recruits.
In August 2024, NHS Lanarkshire welcomed 17 new apprentices in sectors including social services and healthcare, business administration and data analytics. The previous cohort moved onto positive destinations, with over three-quarters choosing to continue their careers with NHS Lanarkshire. Some apprentices even advanced to further study or promoted roles, displaying the long-term value of the programme. All apprentices reported high satisfaction, with everyone stating they would recommend the programme to others.
Alongside this, the team held a successful induction week for new apprentices. This year, opportunities were expanded to include digital applications and maintenance, with 20 apprentices starting their careers. The induction covered NHS policies, workplace expectations, study skills, and of course, some fun team-building activities. This provided the opportunity to build peer-to-peer relationships that will continue throughout the programme at group employability and networking sessions where they will share their experiences and learning.
Another notable development this year is the launch of the first collaborative apprenticeships within social services and healthcare with North Lanarkshire Council. Two apprentices have joined the integrated rehabilitation teams, gaining experience across both the NHS and the council, which is a truly unique and invaluable pathway.
Nicole Grant, senior employability advisor/job coach lead, said: “A key factor in the success of our programme is the strong support network that the apprentices have around them, including training providers, managers, workplace buddies and the employability team. Our August cohort reported feeling well supported throughout their apprenticeship.
“As we expand our offerings, we have recently collaborated with the catering team at University Hospital Wishaw to introduce a professional cookery apprenticeship. We are committed to investing in the young people within our communities and building our future workforce and we need everyone’s help to continue this vision”.
If you think a modern apprenticeship could benefit your department, please email Nicole at Nicole.Grant@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.
