Apprentice Hollie Bailey
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals has been recognised for its support of apprentices in the region by a leading local University.
As part of recent National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, the University of Salford hosted an online awards event.
During the event, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals was named the Employer Partner of the Year for the university’s School of Health and Society.
The Trust was Nominated by Helen Carruthers, the university’s Physiotherapy Programme Lead, for its support and commitment to the physiotherapy apprenticeship programme.
The award win follows work done by the Trust’s team including Kirk Raymond, Deputy Head of Therapies, and Mark Hayes, Widening Participation and Apprenticeship Manager, in engaging with the university.
The team has supported five staff to enrol onto the physiotherapy programme – these colleagues are now working within the MSK Physiotherapy, Stroke, Critical Care and the Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation teams. They are also supporting an apprentice within the Podiatry department.
Kirk Raymond said: “We have some amazing support staff within the Trust and the care they offer is frequently praised by patients. To give them the opportunity to qualify as Allied Health Professionals will be a huge asset to the Trust.
“I’m excited to see how the apprentices develop throughout the course and beyond.”
The apprentices are mentored by senior staff at the Trust who have volunteered their support, including Matthew Swales, Miriam McCarney, David Seddon, Kieran D’Arcy, Anita Cahalin and Kirstie Horvath.
Peter Murphy, the Trust’s Director of Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and Quality, said: “Apprenticeships are fast becoming a key enabler for all the professional groups at the Trust I have the pleasure to represent as we strive to reduce our vacancies and create a more stable staff base.
“I’m delighted to see our AHPs embracing the apprenticeship approach as it signals our intent to grow our own workforce and improve the career prospects for staff at all levels within the organisation.
“The fact the team has won an award for their contribution to apprenticeships from the University of Salford is simply outstanding and it’s only right we celebrate this achievement. I’d like to pass on my thanks to the team for their passion and dedication.”
What our apprentices say:
Apprentice Mark Brown
Mark Brown, apprentice within the MSK Physiotherapy team: “The physiotherapy apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to progress my career as a Physiotherapist in a hands on learning environment. The role has enabled me to pursue all areas of physiotherapy with support from a wide variety of professions and expertise. Physiotherapy is a diverse career and the practice-oriented aspect of the apprenticeship allows me to make a great start on an exciting career.”
Apprentice Adam Potter
Adam Potter, apprentice within the Stroke team, said: “It’s an honour for me to be chosen to represent the Trust and take part in the apprenticeship programme. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn at degree level and develop my career whilst still working clinically. To be able to attend university and complete placements locally alongside my normal job creates the perfect relationship between the Trust and the university for me to become a qualified Physiotherapist.’’
Hollie Bailey, Podiatry apprentice, said: “The Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Podiatry team have been so welcoming and extremely supportive, both personally and towards my education. They’ve taught me so much in such a small amount of time. The apprenticeship has allowed me to further my career and work towards my degree, whilst being able to continue to earn a living and support my family with flexible working hours.”