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We spoke to Trace Claydon, Project Manager for the Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship Programme at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, to find out how a long-standing partnership with the Â׸£ÀûƬ is helping to open up career pathways for staff, develop a ready workforce, and shape the future of the NHS.

We asked Trace...

How have apprenticeships supported workforce development, skills growth, or staff retention within your organisation?

Apprenticeships have been critical in providing a career pathway for our internal employees and also in recruiting new talent and skills into the organisation. Seeing the journey that our Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeships take is a source of great joy, and the level of interest in the programme is extraordinary. The strong partnership we enjoy with the Â׸£ÀûƬ ensures we see the benefits of skilled, educated people thriving in the workplace. The apprenticeship route also prepares staff to be workforce-ready upon completion and to step into the clinical environment.

What motivated your organisation to offer apprenticeships, and why did you choose the Â׸£ÀûƬ as your training provider?

Apprenticeships are essential, particularly in helping individuals avoid the financial burden of self-funding their career development, which is often prohibitive. The Â׸£ÀûƬ is a collegiate and skilled partner, with whom we have an exceptional relationship built over many years. Respect, collaboration, and strong communication are always valued. Quite simply, it is a pleasure to work collaboratively with such a fantastic team as we do with the Â׸£ÀûƬ.

What are the key benefits apprenticeships bring to your organisation?

Apprentices are 'workplace ready' when they achieve their qualification. This is critical in NHS organisations due to the complexity and demands of the environment.

Based on your experience, would you recommend apprenticeships and the Â׸£ÀûƬ to other organisations?

The Â׸£ÀûƬ is an exceptional partner, and we can work collaboratively and efficiently to ensure the apprenticeship journey is successful and delivered to a high standard. This is partnership working at its finest, and a great opportunity to take the time to recognise it.

What advice would you give to organisations considering apprenticeships for the first time?

I would say 'Go for it!' - the impact of apprentices (even before achieving their qualification) is valued by the teams within which the apprentices (the majority of the time) work and thrive, and share with us 'we are not the same person that we were when we started the programme'. As an NHS employee for more than 4 decades, I know that apprenticeships will be crucial to the future landscape of the NHS and critical to recruitment and retention, ensuring the workforce has the necessary strength. Apprenticeships need to be embraced.