Apprenticeship helps Jo achieve her dream qualification

To mark apprenticeship week (8-14 February), Jo Walls wants to thank Queen Victoria Hospital for giving her the opportunity to gain her dream qualification.

Thanks to the support of the hospital and its commitment to investing in apprentices, was able to study for a Level 5 Human Resources Consultant/Partner Certificate alongside her role as a workforce e-systems specialist in the HR team.

Through apprenticeships, the hospital is able to offer its staff the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to have a rewarding career whilst earning a salary at the same time. They are available to staff working in a range of clinical and non-clinical roles, and from a level 2 right through to level 7 (Masters).

Jo started her qualification in September 2018, working through the pandemic to finish in December 2020 with a distinction.

Asked why Jo chose the apprenticeship route she explained: “I decided to register for my Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) Level 5 through the apprenticeship pathway because I was interested in gaining some formal training and a qualification relevant to my job role. The course was a mixture of classroom and home learning, I studied with Crawley College and attended classes once a week for a year studying HR modules such as employment law and business strategies and writing assignments to show my understanding and research. I then had to run my own project for QVH and submit a comprehensive report before a professional face-to-face exam.

“The course was challenging but I am so glad I put the effort in, it was such a rewarding experience and the skills and knowledge I have learnt have been invaluable in helping me develop in my role. If you have the opportunity to follow the apprenticeship route you should – I would definitely recommend it and thank QVH for its support.”

Geraldine Opreshko, director of workforce and organisational development, at Queen Victoria Hospital, said: “Apprenticeships can unlock a range of career options whilst enabling staff to continue earning at the same time. We have found them an invaluable way of supporting our staff to develop and take the next step on their career ladder.”

Find out more about apprenticeships here or on the national apprenticeship website.

For more information please email the QVH Press Office at qvh.communications@nhs.net.