Since 2015, NHS Forth Valley has proudly supported Modern Apprenticeships across a wide range of frameworks, including administration, construction, engineering, healthcare support and pharmacy.
Now in its 11th year, the Board continues our strong commitment to helping people begin their NHS careers. A new cohort of apprentices who will join teams in offices and clinical wards in May 2026, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to services across the organisation.
One of our current apprentices, Maddy Watson, is based in the Acute Assessment Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital and is due to complete her apprenticeship in April 2026. She reflects on her experience so far:
As you approach the end of your apprenticeship in the Acute Assessment Unit, what have been the biggest lessons or skills you’ve gained?
I’ve learned how to deal with stressful situations better; it’s a skill needed when working in such a busy place. It’s helped me expand my communication skills and my confidence when it comes to patient care.
What has surprised you most about working in an acute clinical environment?
How much teamwork there is. You can always count on someone for a hand. I was also surprised how much I enjoyed working in such a busy environment, I was so nervous at first but after the first couple of weeks I realised how much I liked it.
What’s motivated you to stay with NHS Forth Valley and progress to an HNC in Health and Social Care?
Being able to be the support that people need has motivated me stay. It’s an amazing feeling watching your patients get back to being themselves.
How has your apprenticeship influenced your decision to train as a qualified nurse in the future?
When I first started, I was convinced midwifery was my path. But after working in AAU, it has opened so many more options and possibilities with adult nursing. Don’t get me wrong, one day I would like to still go onto midwifery but for the moment, I’m passionate about becoming an adult staff nurse. The apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to work in a ward setting before even thinking about university, it has definitely helped me around the anxiety of working in a hospital and with the written workload that comes with college.
What advice would you give to someone considering a Modern Apprenticeship in a busy clinical area like the Acute Assessment Unit?
Always ask for help if you need it. Nothing is a silly question. Go to as many training events as you can as it can open so many doors for you, and it helps when it comes to the college side of the apprenticeship as you will gain so much knowledge. Be patient with yourself and others.
Apprenticeships: Opportunities for All
There are more than 80 Modern Apprenticeship frameworks available across Scotland, and apprenticeships are not limited to young people or new starts to the organisation. They offer flexible development pathways for existing staff as well, supporting both career progression and workforce succession planning.
If you are planning to recruit, or beginning to think about developing your future workforce, you can find out more about the wide range of apprenticeship pathways available through Skills Development Scotland’s dedicated employer website. If you are interesting in offering a placement to a Modern Apprenticeship in your ward, department or service contact Noelle Mackay, Employability Manager, for further information.
