Look out for some new faces, with the next intake of Modern Apprentices due to start shortly. It follows a successful programme in 2015/16 when 14 apprentices were recruited to work in NHS Forth Valley.
This year, a total of 24 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 are being recruited to work in business and administration and healthcare assistant roles across the organisation. In addition, one apprentice has been employed in a construction post in the Estates and Facilities Department.
The scheme is delivered in partnership with Forth Valley College and the move supports a target by the Scottish Government to reduce levels of youth unemployment by 40% in 2021.
Alison Richmond-Ferns, NHS Forth Valley’s Associate Director of HR, said: “Traditionally apprenticeships were closely associated with trade and technical posts. However, the approach of working and learning at the same time is relevant to a wide range of areas, and in NHS Forth Valley, Modern Apprenticeships are being offered in various departments including Health Records, Finance, Information Governance, Transport, Estates and Nursing.
“Taking on Modern Apprenticeships within NHS Forth Valley not only helps provide valuable work experience and training for local young people, but also gives us the opportunity to recruit the workforce of the future.”
The new NHS Modern Apprentices will also work on the job towards an SVQ qualification which is provided by Forth Valley College. Many of the educational frameworks will be completed in the workplace on a full-time basis with assessors visiting on a monthly basis to review progress and the training plan throughout the one year scheme.
