The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital is marking this year’s National Apprenticeship Week by reflecting on how apprenticeships have benefitted their workforce.

Over the years the Orthopaedic has seen their apprentices successfully gain employment in a number of clinical and non-clinical areas, which can be demonstrated with a ‘then and now’ photo flashback.

The members of staff who are pictured here are a fantastic example of that. The first picture was taken in 2010, and of those pictured, 10 of those young people are employed by the Trust today.

They include Graham Price, patient environment action team housekeeper; Joshua Thomas, orthotic technician; Nicholas Roberts, clinical coding officer; Lewis Duncan, contract support officer; Samuel Jones, radiography support worker; Ria Price, financial accounts assistant; Amanda Roberts, clinical audit facilitator; Mary Bardsley, PA to the director of nursing; Kirsty Powell, housekeeping assistant; and Sian Langford, Deputy facilities manager.

Did you know there are over 350 clinical and non-clinical roles within the NHS?

Allen Edwards, training advisor at the Orthopaedic, said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity for an individual to earn, gain work experience and achieve qualifications at the same time.

“They are nationally recognised, work based training programmes designed to train new or existing employees aged 16+.

“The Trust really benefits from all apprentices, it allows the organisation to grow new talent and develop a more motivated workforce.

“I think looking back on this picture from eight years ago really highlights the benefits apprenticeships have not just for us as a Trust but also for these individuals, who are employed by us today off the back of successfully completing an apprenticeship with us.”

This year’s National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2018) runs until Friday, March 9.

For further information about the apprenticeships available at the Orthopaedic. contact Allen Edwards on 01691 404095 or at Allen.Edwards@rjah.nhs.uk.