Apprenticeships

What is an apprentice?

Any age, any grade, apprenticeships are about earning and learning on the job at the same time. Under the national scheme 20% of an apprentice’s time must be off the front line of their role, which can mean 1:1 coaching in the hospital, learning new skills in the work environment or it can mean a day a week at university.

Why does it matter to QVH?

Since April 2017 we have been investing 0.5% of our pay budget in apprentices. This is a national levy and we want to use it to build QVH’s reputation as a great place to develop.

Why does it matter to me?

This is about career development in existing roles not just apprentice Health Care Assistants and admin roles. Apprentices can be working towards degree level qualifications.

Where can I find out more?

Any questions email qvh.apprenticeships@nhs.net

Sonya’s apprenticeship journey

It takes commitment and hard work to move to a different country and start a new career but thanks to apprenticeship opportunities supported by Queen Victoria Hospital and the corneoplastics team, Sonya Chavdarova has done just that.

After moving to the UK from Bulgaria with her husband and young son, Sonya joined QVH in 2014, completing a Level 3 Senior Health Care Assistant apprenticeship in 2018. Determined to learn, Sonya started her Level 4 Health Care Science in Ophthalmology apprenticeship in January 2020, studying through the Covid pandemic, completing last year.

Through apprenticeships, Queen Victoria Hospital offers its staff the opportunity to achieve a qualification whilst earning a salary. They enable hardworking staff to gain new skills through studying and hands-on experience, progress in their career and most importantly, support the hospital in caring for its patients. Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 right through to Level 7 (Masters).

Sonya says: “my colleagues have always encouraged me, guided me and believed in me. During the pandemic there was a time that I did not believe that I could do it but the support I received from everyone kept me going. I really did not want to disappoint anyone by quitting.”

With a recent promotion under her belt, Sonya is setting her sights on developing further. Sonya continues: “apprenticeships helped me to be more confident and competent in what I do and allow me to continue working with the best team ever.”