Bournville College have worked in partnership with The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for over three years to support a delivery of a number of apprenticeship vacancies.
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest Orthopaedic units in Europe. Patient care is delivered by specialist teams, including surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, radiologists, pathologists, occupational therapists and other clinical professionals who look after patients with bone and joint disorders.
The Hospital recognised the importance of engaging in the apprenticeship scheme and saw it as an investment in the succession of their staff and future planning. With the funding support available through NHS and Bournville College as their training partner, the project was able to come to realisation.
David Richardson, Head of Learning and Organisational Development at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust commented: ‘The apprentices provide an invaluable resource to the department they are in and the Trust itself. An apprenticeship is an ideal opportunity for organisations to become more cost effective; and in the areas they work in they are an essential element in ensuring we provide an exceptional service to our patients and carers. The day release to college and on-site support from Bournville College, depending on apprentice and experience, fits in well with us’.
Nikita Jeffries, 19, from Northfield, a former volunteer at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital who recently completed the Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration is a prime example of someone benefitting from the scheme. ‘I had started voluntary work with The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital after leaving school as I wasn’t sure on my next step but I knew experience gained at the Hospital would be beneficial to me. During my time as a volunteer, my manager mentioned apprenticeships. I didn’t really know much about them, however when it was explained that I would get paid to learn and gain experience from doing practical work, it was an option I couldn’t refuse, revealed Nikita.
Whilst undertaking her apprenticeships with The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Nikita was also nominated for two staff awards ‘Going the extra mile’ and ‘The Chairman’s partnership award,’ showing just how pivotal Nikita has been to the Trust.
‘I am really happy that I completed my Level 2 & 3 apprenticeships; I was able to learn so much whilst working with others and learning from them. Bournville College really helped me during my apprenticeship too’, added Nikita.
‘Our apprenticeship scheme with Bournville College has been very successful; seven of our previous apprentices have successfully secured roles within the trust, including two bank Health Care Assistants, one in finance, IT, a medical secretary, one in the PALS department and one into the management offices. We currently have six apprentices studying business administration and health and social care’, added David.
If your organisation needs support with setting up an apprenticeship scheme, contact the Apprenticeship Team at Bournville College on 0121 477 1400 or apprentice@bournville.ac.uk. Wage grant of £1500 may be available per learner (Eligibility criteria applies).
* For your chance to meet your future apprentices, visit Bournville College at its apprenticeship open evening on Tuesday May 29, 6pm-8pm. Visit www.bournville.ac.uk for further information.
