QVH recognises its apprentices and the contribution they make

Monday 3rd February 2020

QVH recognises its apprentices and the contribution they make

Queen Victoria Hospital is marking national apprenticeship week (3-9 February) by recognising the contribution its own apprentices are making to the organisation.

The theme of the week is ‘look beyond’ and focuses on dispelling some of the myths and outdated stereotypes commonly associated with apprenticeships, such as them only offering opportunities to young people and apprentices being ‘just employed to make the tea’. The hospital offers a range of opportunities for its staff to take the next step on the career ladder, non-clinical as well as clinical, as some of its apprentices explain.



Amanda Ashman
, facilities supervisor, studying for her Level 3 hospitality supervisor qualification: “When I started at QVH four years ago, the thought of doing an apprenticeship didn’t cross my mind. I love learning but hadn’t done an exam since I left school. Now I’m over a year into my apprenticeship I’ve found what I’m learning is helping my work and I really feel like I’m achieving things. I’m already looking at what short courses I can do next – I’ve got the learning bug!”

Richard Sexton, health record clerk, studying for his Level 3 in business administration qualification: “I’ve had a range of different jobs in the past, from retail to working in a gym but knew I’d like to try admin so this apprenticeship is a perfect first step. As well as giving me practical experience it’s increased my confidence and I know I’m learning skills that are helping set me up for the future. For me it’s the best of both worlds – learning and earning at the same time.”

Stacey Hussell, senior medical photographer, studying for her ILM Level 3 in management and leadership qualification: “I started studying before leaving to have a baby but was determined to complete the qualification. Having been able to pick up where I left off, I’m now on the final stretch! I’ve found I’ve gained different ways of thinking about things like managing a team or dealing with conflicts, and also the confidence to think about further study at a later date.”

Elaine Ratcliffe, who is completing a nursing associate apprenticeship: “Ever since I was little I wanted to be a nurse but when I was growing up women weren’t encouraged to have careers. I started at QVH in 2011 as a healthcare assistant but never expected that one day I might have the opportunity to get close to my dream of nursing. The nursing associate role was created nationally to bridge a gap between health care assistants and registered nurses, so it’s exciting to be part of something new.”

John Zaharia, catering assistant, studying for his Level 2 production chef qualification: “Although I have not studied for a while, I’m not scared to learn and want to achieve. I can come in early and practice skills in the kitchen – it helps me learn faster – and I work with a good team who want me to do well. Developing my skills is the best part – who knows I may be a head chef in the future.”

Geraldine Opreshko, director of workforce and organisational development at Queen Victoria Hospital, said: “Apprenticeships can unlock a range of career options and uniquely provide the ability to learn and earn at the same time. We are proud to offer a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities at the Queen Victoria Hospital, helping our staff to realise their potential and take the next step on their career ladder.”

Pictured: Some of Queen Victoria Hospital’s apprentices (clockwise from top left – Amanda, Richard, Stacey, John and Elaine).

For more information please contact the QVH Press Office on 01342 414508.