Skills for life: Discover apprenticeships within the NHS

This National Apprenticeship Week, we want to promote our offer of apprenticeships within Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. NHS apprenticeships build skills for life that support patients, strengthen communities and shape long-term careers.

In offering clear progression routes into further training and NHS roles, our apprenticeships also allow colleagues to combine practical on-the-job experience with academic learning.

What are the benefits?

•    Learn while you earn – apprentices receive a salary while gaining experience and formal training.
•    Industry specific skills – develop skills tailored to a specific job or industry, increasing employability.
•    Recognised qualifications-apprenticeships provide nationally recognised qualifications from level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to level 7 (masters degree equivalent)
•    Career progression
•    No tuition fees
•    Transferable skills
•    Support and mentorship-guidance from experienced professionals
•    Many apprenticeships are fully online

Celebrating successes

Now a Medical Education Administrator at our trust, Louise recently completed a Level 3 Business Admin Apprenticeship after starting out in the hospitality sector as a chef.

Louise said: “The apprenticeship gave me a chance later on in life to change my career path and now provides me with much better prospects for myself and my family.”

Sue, who works in our Early Intervention Psychosis team and is a Carer Peer Support Practitioner at our trust, recently graduated with a Level 5 Degree Apprenticeship in Coaching Professionals.

She said: “I am passionate about empowering myself and others. Gaining my qualification in coaching professionals has awarded me with the skills to work collaboratively with individuals to explore their barriers and reach their goals and aspirations.”

NHS apprenticeships can support career development, upskilling and progression, alongside existing roles.

If you are interested in finding out more about apprenticeships at NHS Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, please contact Fiona Anderson: fiona.anderson22@nhs.net