FRIDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER, 2014

IMMEDIATE RELEASE; PHOTOGRAPH ATTACHED: l-r – HEAD OF PROPERTY MARK ANDERSON, DIRECTOR OF HR GEORGE DOHERTY, NADINE DUNCAN, FRASER GOW, ROSS JOHNSTONE, NHS TAYSIDE CHAIRMAN SANDY WATSON, HR LEAD FOR WORKFORCE PLANNING SERVICES CAROLINE HAY AND ESTATES MANAGER ROBERT HARVIE.

Modern apprentices celebrate success

A group of young people celebrated their success today (Friday) after successfully completing their Modern Apprenticeship training at NHS Tayside.

Each apprenticeship has been carried out over two to four years and participants have experienced a range of placements within NHS Tayside to ensure they have a variety of experiences and learning opportunities.

A group of young people were presented with their completion certificates today by NHS Tayside Chairman Sandy Watson in front of colleagues, friends and family at a celebratory event to mark the end of their apprenticeship.

The apprentices included Nadine Duncan, Murray Robertson, Kerry Barlass and Courtney Cuthbert, who are the first graduates of NHS Tayside’s Modern Apprenticeship in Healthcare. They have all now secured full-time employment with NHS Tayside or obtained a place within full-time education.

NHS Tayside was the first Board in Scotland to offer the apprenticeship in healthcare, with other Boards now planning to introduce the role.

Nadine is now working at Kings Cross Health and Community Care Centre in the community rehabilitation team as a support worker and said she is grateful for the opportunities provided by the Modern Apprenticeship scheme.

Nadine said, “The Modern Apprenticeship programme has given me real opportunities to do real-life work. It means that I won’t do years of studying without being sure that health is where I want to work.

“I think it’s important that more people find out about what Modern Apprenticeships have to offer to young people. The NHS has been a really important part of my life and has given me a great opportunity. I’d like to stay in the service and help apprentices of the future, sharing my experiences with new people coming in.”

During the event, Fraser Gow was named as the NHS Tayside Property Department Apprentice of the Year.

Two new estates department apprentices were also welcomed to NHS Tayside during the celebration event.

NHS Tayside has supported Modern Apprenticeships programmes since 2006 offering a total of 45 apprenticeships. The initiative is implemented across a range of departments and specialities.

The Modern Apprenticeships vary in length, between two and four years and are at a variety of academic levels and pay bands.

NHS Tayside Chairman Sandy Watson, said, “I am delighted to present these successful NHS Tayside

apprentices with their completion certificates.

“The programme continues NHS Tayside’s commitment to offer a range of opportunities for local people, which for the individuals changes lives and for NHS Tayside, helps us develop a highly skilled workforce for the future.”

Caroline Hay, HR Lead for Workforce Planning Services, said, “Our most recent apprentices have done very well, working hard and making a positive impact in their department. They should be extremely proud of their achievements and I wish them well for the future with continued success.

“NHS Tayside is committed to the ongoing support of the Modern Apprentice programmes with plans to extend the numbers and range of apprenticeships offered.

“This will enable NHS Tayside to continue to realise the benefits of this programme of recruitment, support Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy and enhance the organisations position as a socially responsible employer.”

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134