Innovative health and care apprenticeship scheme scoops award

An innovative apprenticeship scheme that allows young people to “try before they buy” a career in health or care has won a coveted award.

The scheme, developed and run by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) Workforce Team, won the Employer of the Year award for the West Midlands round of the Apprenticeships National Awards 2022.

Through the scheme, young people from the age of 17 are able to gain first-hand experience in a range of health and care placements including social care, hospitals, mental health settings, GP surgeries and care homes.

It means they can earn while they learn and is particularly suited to people who want to achieve a professional registration but do not feel that university is the right route for them.

Mish Irvine, the ICS Associate Director of People said: “We have an absolute wealth of talent among our young people in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

“We invested in our apprenticeship programme so we can grow our own workforce, and help people to take the first step in their career in health and social care. Around 40 young people have participated since the scheme launched in 2019.

“This rotational approach allows candidates to develop confidence and choose the right sector for them. With health and care having an aging population, it is really important that we give our young people as many routes into the sector as possible.

“Our apprentices have included some refugees, including one who has subsequently been nominated for a Care and Compassion Award and as Apprentice of the Year.”

Apprentices complete four days’ on-the-job training and one college day per week, and an apprenticeship is also being developed for young people who are interested in a career in pharmacy.

Find out more about health and care apprenticeships by watching this short videoor by visiting the ICS Website.

Regional award winners are automatically forwarded to the national awards which take place in late November.