National Apprenticeship Week 2025
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2025 takes place from 10 – 16 February with the theme ‘skills for life’. The week-long celebration, now in it’s 18th year, shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make and the value, benefit and opportunity they bring.
At SWYPFT, we offer a range of apprenticeship programmes for new and existing staff to enhance their skills and step into learning. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job role while achieving a nationally recognised qualification.
The importance of apprenticeships – Jon Head, Chief People Officer
“
A special thank you to all our apprentices, both past and present. So many people have benefitted from apprenticeships and have achieved great things as a result of the investment in their development. Apprenticeships are the best way to gain qualifications for people who would otherwise struggle to obtain, especially if the financial cost of the course was a major hurdle. It’s so important that we make the most of our funding and offer great opportunities for staff to progress and enhance their invaluable contribution to service users, patient and their families and carers.”
Jon Head – Chief People Officer
National Apprenticeship Week blog – Jenny Richmond, apprenticeship facilitator
Hey everyone! For those who don’t know me yet, I’m Jen Richmond, and I’ve been in the role of apprenticeship facilitator here at the Trust for the last four and a half years.
Before this, I spent many years working in the training and welfare to work sector, helping people in the community find training and job opportunities. It’s always been my passion to help people achieve their dreams, and this role has allowed me to continue doing this.
Since joining the Trust, I’ve been on a mission to grow our apprenticeship offerings, and my goal is to keep expanding these opportunities so all staff can have the chance to progress and gain qualifications.
When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me sweating it out in a hot pod yoga class or cheering on Leeds United (through all of the ups and downs, of course!).
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, and I’ve got lots of information sessions lined up. Whether you’re interested in leadership and management, nursing, AHP, administration, or wellbeing, there’s something for everyone. We’ve also got “ask me anything” sessions, where you can hop onto MS Teams, throw any questions you have at me, and I’ll do my best to answer them!
I’d love for you to join us this week to learn more about apprenticeships and T Levels. I can’t wait to see you there, let’s make it a great one!
National Apprenticeship Week information sessions
Why not join one of the MS Teams Apprenticeship information sessions this week to find out more starting an apprenticeship. Not sure what options are available join one of the “Ask me Anything” about apprenticeship sessions
To book onto a session please email jenny.richmond@swyt.nhs.uk
Wellbeing champion apprenticeships
We recently launched our ‘wellbeing champion apprenticeships’ within the Trust, with five staff members starting in January 2025.
If you would be interested in joining the next cohort of wellbeing apprentices, please contact Jenny.richmond@swyt.nhs.uk, or join Thursday’s information session from 2-3pm.
Tamara Kerins shares her apprentice journey with students
Occupational therapist apprentice, Tamara Kerins, represented our Trust and the Yorkshire and North East region at a SYREC school engagement event on Wednesday 12 February, encouraging over 1500 Year 10 -13 students to consider apprenticeships as a route after GCSEs. Well done Tamara!
You can hear Tamara’s story below, where she talks about her journey and experiences as an apprentice with the Trust:
Did you know…
SWYPFT currently has 210 live apprentices! A huge thank you to all our #apprentices for everything you do.
In 2024, 46 staff completed their apprenticeships. All will soon receive invitations to the 2025 recognition awards. If this is you, keep 1 May 2025 free!
T-Level Thursday blogs – meet our students!
Meet Sam Wasteney, one of our T-Level business and management students. Sam talks about his studies, learning and experiences:
What made you interested in completing a business and management T-Level?
A T-Level in business management appealed to me the most as I wanted to learn about business studies, but I also wanted to have a hands on experience on a professional level. The T-Level allows me to do this by giving me the opportunity to visit my placement at New Street health centre on a weekly basis over the 2-year duration of the course.
What have you learnt whilst on placement?
Everyone I have met whilst on placement has been very accommodating and allowed me to feel part of a team. My experience whilst working at the NHS has been very rewarding so far, I have supported health centre co-ordinators with day-to-day tasks, greeted patients, visitors and staff on reception and supported any queries they may have. I have also been learning how to use the electronic patient record system and assisting with any other administrative tasks related to my role.
What are your plans for the future?
Currently I am continuing my placement and studies at college until the completion of my course, however in the future I would like to work at the NHS as I find it a great environment to work in. This could be through an apprenticeship or full-time employment.
Would you recommend T-Levels to others?
I would definitely recommend T-Levels to other students as they provide a great source of learning, whether that is based in the classroom or learning hands on at your work placement. After the completion of your T-Levels, there is a variety of different paths you could take. Universities are now accepting T-levels as a form of entry and they are also a great way to get onto apprenticeships and even full-time employment.
Meet Harley Chatterton, one of our T-Level digital students. Harley talks about his studies, learning and experiences:
Why did you choose to do a digital T-Level?
I chose to do a T-Level because I wanted to do an academic course, and the mixture of exams and placement appealed to me as it would give me hands on experience on the area I’m interested in (IT) which can be useful for future employment.
What have you learnt from your placement?
During my time in the NHS, I have learnt many valuable skills, about different areas of IT and how it is used in a real-life environment. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to be part of various teams within the IM&T department and have been involved in numerous projects. The skills I have gained will be invaluable in my chosen field in the future.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future I would love to continue enhancing my knowledge in this field with my end goal being to work my way up from an apprentice to a reputable specialist in IT.
Would you recommend T-Levels to others?
I would highly recommend T-Levels to other students who prefer a good mixture, like myself, of practical and written examination based learning to which they would gain experience in real world scenarios and within a school environment.
Shout out to all our T Level students. Thank you for all your hard work and commitment. You really are helping your teams make a difference!
If your service could host a placement in 2025, please contact Jenny.richmond@swyt.nhs.uk.
