National Apprenticeship Week 2022

Building a future career with us by undertaking an apprenticeship.

Did you know that there are lots of opportunities to build your career at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) by undertaking an apprenticeship?

This week (7-13 February) is National Apprenticeship Week and we’re shining a light on some of our current apprentices as well as giving you more information about undertaking an apprenticeship with us.

We currently have around 100 apprentices working across our Trust in a wide variety of roles in both care delivery and support functions. All our apprentices play a key role in the running of our services and help ensure our service users get the high-quality care and support they need.

Sian Lease-Hook is undertaking her apprenticeship as a support worker in our Specialised Supported Living Service. Watch this video to get an insight into her experiences

Jo Third, Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Manager at LYPFT, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to start a new career. They provide some really valuable opportunities for hands on learning and experience while earning a salary. Apprenticeships are often just the starting point of a long and successful career in the NHS. We have seen apprentices progress into senior management positions and we’ve also seen some find their perfect role and stay doing what they really enjoy. There really is something for everyone.”

Read what some of our current apprentices have to say:

Donna Moody, aged 48, is currently undertaking a Level 3 Health and Social Care Apprenticeship. She started her apprenticeship following on from looking after her mother who had dementia. She said: “I feel like I have a lot of love and care to give.”

Once her Level 3 apprenticeship is completed, Donna is hoping to progress into a Nursing Associate role and then possibly to qualify as a nurse. Donna continued: “This is something I never thought I would want to do until I got the opportunity with my first apprenticeship.”

Tom Weir is currently undertaking a Level 3 apprenticeship in Senior Healthcare Support.  Although starting in February 2020 just before the first Covid-19 lockdown, Tom has been involved in helping his team adapt to the ever-changing guidance while also receiving positive feedback on his training to date.

He said: “My apprenticeship will make me officially qualified for this job and will enable me to look ahead in terms of next steps and career progression opportunities.”

Faye Robertson is currently in her second year as a Nursing Associate. She undertook this apprenticeship to help bridge the gap to enable her to become a nurse.

She said: “This apprenticeship has enabled me to earn a wage while studying for my future career to become a qualified nurse. If you are thinking of doing an apprenticeship make sure it is the right time for you and you have to be dedicated to the studying.”

Lauren Franklin is doing a Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship after it was recommended to her by a senior leader in her team. Lauren said: “This apprenticeship is an opportunity to back my project management/support experience and knowledge with a formal qualification and theory.

“Although only two months into my apprenticeship, I am really proud of the team management skills I am learning and trying to implement from my position in understanding people’s motives, working styles and communication styles. I am hoping to keep utilising this knowledge and work on my own communication style. This area of knowledge is something I didn’t expect to learn on this course!

“I’ve got two pieces of advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship.

1. Make sure you research the company/university/college hosting your apprenticeship and make sure they fit your learning style and will match with your current working style.
2. Ensure the qualification will benefit your current role but will also benefit your career in the long run.”

You can find out more about apprenticeships with us on our website or contact the team at learning.lypft@nhs.net