Hundreds of young people attended an event this week to celebrate the huge range of apprenticeships available at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).
The Apprenticeship Pathways Event was held at the Teaching and Learning Centre, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, and it showcased the many opportunities on offer.
From portering and procurement to dental nurses and pharmacy technicians, apprenticeships at NHSGGC cover a wide range of specialties across all academic levels – and there are permanent job opportunities at the health board for anyone recruited as an apprentice.
At this week’s event, young people were able to speak to NHSGGC staff and training managers, as well as partner organisations who help with apprenticeships.
They also had a chance to speak to current and former apprentices who have embarked on their working lives with the health board.
Among them was Kayla Barr, second year apprentice working with the Health Improvement team.
Kayla started her apprenticeship in July 2024 and is due to complete her qualification in July this year.
She came straight from school at the age of 16 – and the opportunity was perfect for her.
“School wasn’t for me,” Kayla said, “and I knew I wanted to start work and get a job. I saw the apprenticeship being advertised so thought I’d give it a shot and apply – and here I am!
“I’d recommend apprenticeships to anyone thinking of leaving school but who isn’t sure what they want to do.
“There are lots of opportunities in so many different areas, and you learn a huge range of new skills as you go along.
“And the best thing is, I get paid really well while I’m learning!”
As well as learning on the job, many of NHSGGC’s apprenticeships involve day release at college or university, and their duration varies from one year to four years depending on the level of training required.
And Josh Thompson, Job Coach in the Workforce Employability Team, says there’s a huge amount of support in place for anyone thinking of applying.
He said: “From the minute you apply we’re here to help. When you apply, there will be an information session which will allow you to speak directly to the service and find out all you need to know about that specific apprenticeship.
“Then through the recruitment process there’s more help on hand, to make sure you have the best chance of success. We run assessment centres where you’ll be brought in for a couple of hours to look at a range of areas to see if you’re the right fit for the NHS.”
Josh added that, even if you’re then successful at a face-to-face interview, the help doesn’t stop there. “You’ll meet someone like me, go through an induction and there will be support on hand to make sure you settle in.
“We want our staff to be successful – and remember, at the end of your apprenticeship there will be permanent job opportunities at the health board.”
Donna Lennie, Workforce Employability Officer at NHSGGC, was one of the organisers of the apprenticeship event.
She said: “It was great to see so many enthusiastic young people at the event, and we hope lots of them will choose to apply for one of the many apprenticeships on offer.
“We currently have 110 graduate and modern apprentices working across NHSGGC, contributing to essential services across our health system, and this year we plan to welcome dozens more, so there are opportunities to suit most interests and academic levels.
“We have forged strong relationships with local partners in education and employability, helping young people take the first steps towards a rewarding career in healthcare, and we would like to thank them all for their support in making this week’s event possible.
“Being an apprentice is a hugely rewarding way to enter the workforce, and the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ means you can forge a successful, enjoyable career in the NHS.”
For more information about apprenticeships with NHSGGC and the opportunities currently on offer, go to: Apprenticeships – NHSGGC
We would like to thank the following internal and external partners for their support in making NHSGGC’s apprenticeship schemes such a success:
- University of Glasgow
- Glasgow Clyde College
- West College Scotland
- King’s Trust
- Project Search
- Developing the Young Workforce
- Equality & Diversity Team & Paul Hull
- NHSGGC SVQ Team
- Recruiting Departments
- Our apprentices – past, present & future
