We’re kickstarting this year’s National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating the fact that one in 20 of our colleagues are apprentices and this means we’ve become members of The 5% Club.

We launched our Trust Apprenticeship and Career Hub last year to better support our communities by enabling local residents to take up apprenticeships with us.

Since its launch, we have seen the number of apprentices at our Trust rise to over 400 across 39 accredited learning programmes, giving us the prestigious 5% title. More than 50 colleagues have graduated and some will receive their certificates at a special ceremony in the Houses of Parliament later this week.

Staff at any level, and in any role in our Trust, can enrol on a course to develop their skills and gain a qualification. It can be linked to their current job or to a future role they aspire to. One in three of our current apprentices are doing leadership and management courses.

Kenye Karemo, Director of Education, Workforce Development and Research, said:

We are an organisation that believes anyone and everyone can thrive and have a rewarding career. Congratulations to all of our apprentices who are on their way to having the career of their dreams.

Matthew Trainer, our Chief Executive, said:

It’s great that one year on from speaking about our aspirations of joining The 5% Club, we’ve joined and made some real improvements that are being seen by our apprentices. We’re committed to making our Trust a great place to work. We want to be known for looking after our local communities and caring for our staff.

If you’re interested in taking your career in a different direction, or are starting out and interested in working with us, please take a look at the vacancies section on our website and find out more about the apprenticeship roles available.