11.03.13
NHS Employers offers myth-busting advice on apprenticeships
More NHS organisations could benefit from increased use of apprenticeships, NHS Employers is urging.
At the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week, NHS Employers is providing advice to help employers to develop new schemes and boost the number of apprenticeships on offer.
In 2011/12 the NHS employed 8,000 apprentices, up from 1,300 in 2008.
NHS Employers will also be busting common myths that discourage organisations from employing apprentices, such as the idea that they will spend too much time out of the workplace in training, or that they only cover a small number of roles.
Its chief executive Dean Royles said: “There's been a startling increase in NHS apprenticeships over the past three years which is a remarkable achievement, given the challenges we face. We're one of the world's biggest employers and have well over a million staff, and the 8,000 apprenticeships who started in the last year make a fantastic contribution to the care we provide.
“This growth in apprentices is happening because organisations are overcoming the cultural and procedural hurdles they face. Senior staff and team leaders increasingly recognise the benefits apprentices bring – new ideas, energy, how to use social media and developing technologies as well as commitment.
“And we need to help organisations through the complexities of putting apprenticeships into action, which include transferring staff between roles or knowing how organisations like the National Apprentice Service can help.”
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