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National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (6-12 February) is about showcasing some of the great apprenticeship pathway opportunities available to employees and recognising the hard work of apprentices.

There are currently over 450 employees studying in 36 different apprenticeship programmes at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which is one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and has its main hospital sites in Southend, Basildon and Broomfield.

Kate Merritt, Workbased Learning Manager at the Trust, said: “This amazing number of apprentices is only possible thanks to the 40 training providers we are working closely with who help us offer apprenticeships across both clinical and non-clinical areas of the hospitals.  This is an excellent opportunity for all Trust staff who want to advance their careers whilst working and ultimately all goes to help improve the patient experience.”

Over the last two years, 300 apprentices have completed their courses at the Trust and apprenticeship opportunities range from entry level 2 qualifications right through to level 7 masters degree qualifications.  The Trust also supports those staff without GCSE Maths and English qualifications to access this training before undertaking an apprenticeship.

Here's just some of the people getting huge benefit from their apprenticeships at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

 Ruth Lumba is a Nurse apprentice at Southend Hospital

Ruth, 42 from Westcliff, had been a Healthcare Assistant at Southend University Hospital before starting the Nursing Apprenticeship, delivered by University of East London, two years ago.

She said: “At the end of four years I’ll have a BSc (Hons) Nursing degree and studying for it by way of an apprenticeship is the best of all worlds for me. It is very professional; the university are very supportive with help on your studies and so is the hospital with the hands-on training.

“I’m enjoying it so much that I’m now encouraging my son to go down the apprenticeship route, as it delivers on gaining experience and a qualification, all whilst being paid. I’d always wanted to do my nursing degree, but would not have been able to afford to do it as soon without this fantastic scheme.” 

Kyle Cameron-Symes is based at Basildon Hospital in the Medical Equipment Management Service (MEMS) team

Kyle, 31 from Chelmsford, was a Porter before he became an apprentice in MEMS, where they keep sure medical equipment is kept in top condition. He chose to do an apprenticeship as he felt it was a good opportunity to learn new skills and help develop his career within the hospital.

He had sound advice for anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship. He said: “I think that you need to be dedicated in what you want to do, but don't let something like age put you off as I thought apprenticeships were only for school leavers, but I was wrong.”

James Martin is based in the Eye Clinic at Broomfield Hospital

James, 34, from Chelmsford, said: “An apprenticeship gives me the chance to start on the pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse, as my ambition is to become a nurse in the eye clinic and maybe even higher in the future.

“For anyone thinking about an apprenticeship, I’d say just go for it. I have put it off for a long time because I lacked the confidence because I’m dyslexic. If you have a good group of people to support, you then you can do it. What have you got to lose?” 

There are numerous apprenticeship opportunities at the Trust, there are several accessible pathways for people looking to start their NHS career journey.  Apprenticeships allow you to develop skills and knowledge whilst earning a wage and achieving a nationally recognised qualification.

There are apprenticeship opportunities in Nursing, Leadership and Management, Digital Services, Business Administration, Healthcare Science, Pharmacy and many others. 

To find out more about your route into the NHS, please email mse.apprenticeships@nhs.net.