The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital are celebrating after being recognised as an employer who creates opportunities for young people.

The Oswestry-based hospital achieved the Talent Match Mark Youth Friendly Gold Award for supporting young people in their journey into work.

Talent Match Mark is a nationwide scheme, founded by the Talent Match programme, London Youth and Youth Employment UK.

The scheme aims to solve the problem of young people struggling to gain work experience and employment opportunities and is dedicated to recognising employers who are focused on creating opportunities for them.

Sarah Thomas, senior learning and development advisor at the Orthopaedic, said: “We couldn’t be more proud to have been awarded gold status for the Talent Match Mark Scheme.

“Over the years, the Trust has spent a considerable amount of time developing different programmes for young people to support them as they commence into employment, and to be the best they can be.

“Our programmes also support the delivery of the NHS Talent for Care Strategy – a national strategic framework to develop the healthcare support workforce which helps people to get in, get on and go further.”

To achieve the Youth Friendly Gold Award, the Orthopaedic had to demonstrate how they supported the different stages in a young person’s employment journey; career options, experience and employment.

Allen Edwards, training advisor at the Orthopaedic, said: “We regularly attend local career events to showcase opportunities at the Orthopaedic and run very successful work experience, traineeship and apprenticeship programmes.

“We work closely with the local community including schools and colleges to offer young people the best possible employment opportunities.”

As a Talent Match Mark employer, the Orthopaedic are also able to showcase their commitment to the five core principles; creating opportunities, recognising talent, listening to the youth voice, fair employment and developing young people.