This week we are shining the spotlight on our apprentices during National Apprentice Week and raising awareness about the crucial part they play in our workforce.
There are a wide variety of apprenticeship opportunities not only at our Trust but within the NHS and we will be doing all we can to share the news that they are a fantastic asset.
Our 165 apprentices play such a valuable part in our workforce and I thank them for all that they do. This year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’ and this week will raise awareness about how apprenticeships give individuals the chance to develop skills and progress in their careers while it allows us as a Trust to sustain a skilled workforce for the future.
At the Trust we have a range of apprenticeships including Customer Service Practitioners, Business Administrator, Pharmacy Technicians, Assistant Practitioners – Radiography and Nursing Associates.
Apprenticeship qualifications are available at the Trust to support the development of both new and existing staff members and the Trust embraces this route to help people progress in their chosen career.
One fine example is Josh Harrison who now has a permanent job as a biomedical scientist after completing his Level 6 healthcare science apprenticeship.
Josh says that his apprenticeship was an incredible opportunity to learn on the job, develop his knowledge and skills and put them into practice. That’s so good to hear, Josh.
For further information about apprenticeships at SaTH please visit www.jobs.sath.nhs.uk/find-job/apprenticeships or call Judith Tudor, Talent and Succession Manager, on 01952 641222 ext 2956 (email: judithc.tudor@nhs.net). You can also set up an alert for when vacancies are advertised throughout the year.
Looking ahead and other ways of creating our workforce of the future, we are running a schools’ simulation event at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) today for sixth form students who are aspiring to become doctors and will shortly be applying to medical school.
Our Obstetrics and Gynaecology department has arranged the careers day and the aim of the morning is to allow students from three different schools to obtain a hands-on experience of life as a doctor working in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
During the morning we have some of our doctors delivering presentations regarding their career journeys which will be a real inspiration to these students. There will also be simulation activities which they will take part in.
To find out more regarding similar opportunities please email sath.williamfarr-academy@nhs.net
This week also saw the relaunch of the new-look Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Princess Royal Hospital for those living with cancer and their loved ones.
They are invited to pop along to the existing centre, which has been extended into the former Rehabitat shop area at the hospital.
Well done to the team at the centre and all those who have made it happen from day one.
The centre, which is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, is open four days a week. Why not give them a call if you need support and pop along to the centre, they would love to see you and will be there with a friendly face.
Decorated in calming green and blues, there is a room with plenty of information leaflets and help to hand. There is also a ‘quiet’ room for private chats.
The Macmillan Cancer Support team at PRH can be contacted on 01952 565702 or email sath.macmillaninformation@nhs.net