This year marks a significant milestone for NHS Forth Valley’s Modern Apprenticeship programme, with a decade of supporting people to develop their skills, build successful careers and make a difference across local services.
Over the past 10 years, many former apprentices have gone on to establish rewarding careers within the organisation, progressing into a wide range of roles while continuing to support patients, colleagues and communities across Forth Valley.
To celebrate the anniversary, we caught up with three former apprentices who are still part of Team Forth Valley to hear about their journeys and reflect on how their apprenticeships helped shape their careers.
From Apprentice to Simulation Technician
Jamie Dickson joined NHS Forth Valley through the Modern Apprenticeship programme and now works as a Simulation Technician at the Scottish Centre for Simulation and Clinical Human Factors at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
Looking back, Jamie said the opportunity for career progression and job security initially attracted him to the programme.
“Working for the NHS is a real privilege and I get to see the difference we make to people’s careers.”
One of his strongest memories was meeting fellow apprentices at the end of the programme and hearing about the different career paths they had taken.
“Finding out how folk got on and where they ended up was eye-opening and a really great showcase of what a modern apprenticeship can lead to.”
Since completing his apprenticeship, Jamie’s career has taken him into a role supporting immersive simulation-based education for healthcare professionals from across NHS Forth Valley and beyond.
He credits the apprenticeship with helping him develop confidence and communication skills that he continues to use every day.
“I’ve learned people are just people. I can talk to anyone and everyone. Interacting with staff, patients and others is a daily occurrence and those skills have stayed with me throughout my career.”
Asked what has kept him at NHS Forth Valley for almost a decade, Jamie’s answer was simple.
“My job has kept me here. I love it. It’s genuinely one of the best things in the world to come into work and enjoy it the way I do.”
His advice for new apprentices is to make the most of every opportunity.
“Chuck yourself in. These jobs are competitive to get, so if you managed it, you are good enough. Talk to people and learn from the extensive experience within NHS Forth Valley. The organisation wants you to succeed and progress.”
A Career Supporting Children and Families
Emma Sloss also began her NHS journey through a Modern Apprenticeship and now works as a Healthcare Support Worker with the Children’s Community Nursing Service.
Emma was attracted to the programme because it offered a route into employment while providing valuable learning opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to patient care.
One of her strongest memories is the support she received throughout her apprenticeship.
“I was learning on the job but also had time to complete my SVQ work. The support I received from both my assessor and line manager played a huge part in helping me succeed.”
Since completing the programme, Emma has progressed from an administration-based role into a hands-on clinical position supporting children with a wide range of healthcare needs.
“Completing my apprenticeship helped give me the knowledge and skills which have led me to where I am in my career today.”
Many of the skills she developed as an apprentice continue to support her day-to-day work, particularly her administration and IT knowledge.
“I still use my admin skills every day and I’m often able to help colleagues with clinical systems, IT issues and equipment.”
Emma says the opportunities for development, supportive colleagues and rewarding nature of her role have kept her at NHS Forth Valley.
“I work with a fantastic team who are passionate about providing the best care. I feel supported to build on my skills and I love being part of an organisation that makes a positive difference to local communities.”
Her message for anyone considering a Modern Apprenticeship is enthusiastic:
“Do it. You will not regret it. Everyone is so supportive, you’ll be amazed at how much you learn and it can open doors to great opportunities within the NHS.”
Building a Career in Digital Services
Aimee Keith began her NHS Forth Valley journey as a 17-year-old Modern Apprentice and now works as a TrakCare Technical Analyst within eHealth, supporting the functionality of the organisation’s main patient management system.
Aimee was attracted to the apprenticeship because it offered the opportunity to gain qualifications, earn a salary and begin building a career while learning on the job.
“Having family members already working within NHS Forth Valley gave me an insight into the organisation and the positive impact it has on both staff and patients. It felt like the ideal place to begin my career journey and create opportunities for the future.”
Reflecting on her apprenticeship, Aimee says her strongest memory is the growth in confidence she experienced during those early years.
“When I first started, I was quite an anxious person and even answering the phone felt daunting. As a 17-year-old entering the workplace for the first time, there were many situations that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. With the support and encouragement of my colleagues, my confidence grew enormously.”
She says those experiences laid the foundations not only for her career, but also for her personal development and self-belief.
Since joining NHS Forth Valley, Aimee has progressed through a number of roles across Digital Services, including positions within Digital Infrastructure, the Service Desk and Desktop Support teams before moving into her current role.
“My department has continuously invested in my development, not only by providing opportunities to gain experience in different roles but also by supporting me to undertake further college courses and professional learning.”
The apprenticeship equipped her with both technical expertise and transferable skills that continue to support her work today.
“While I developed technical skills that provided a strong foundation for my career in IT, I also gained valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation and problem solving. The apprenticeship taught me that you don’t need to know everything from day one. Being willing to learn, ask questions and challenge yourself can take you a long way.”
Aimee believes the opportunities to grow and develop have been key to her staying with NHS Forth Valley over the past decade.
“NHS Forth Valley has given me the opportunity to build a career rather than just have a job. Every role has brought new challenges and opportunities to learn. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in knowing that the work we do helps support the systems and technology that clinical and operational staff rely on every day to deliver patient care.”
Her advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple.
“Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get involved in new projects and learn from the people around you.”
She added: “If you’re feeling a bit lost, lacking confidence, or worried that you don’t have many skills or experience yet, don’t let that hold you back. I was so close to not applying due to a lack of confidence, but ten years later I’m supporting the integration of clinical systems and know I can take on any task I put my mind to. The confidence, skills and experience I gained through my apprenticeship played a huge part in that transformation.”
A Decade of Developing Talent
Over the last 10 years, NHS Forth Valley’s Modern Apprenticeship programme has helped people gain valuable qualifications, develop practical skills and build successful careers in a wide range of roles across the organisation.
The experiences of Jamie, Aimee and Emma demonstrate the lasting impact apprenticeships can have, helping individuals build confidence, develop skills and progress into rewarding careers while continuing to support patients, colleagues and communities throughout Forth Valley.
As NHS Forth Valley celebrates this important anniversary, it is also an opportunity to recognise the managers, mentors, assessors and colleagues who have supported apprentices on their career journeys and helped nurture the next generation of talent. Anyone interested in finding out more about Modern Apprenticeships, including opportunities to host an apprentice in your service or department, contact Noelle Mackay, Employability Manager at noelle.mackay2@nhs.scot
