NHS to create 100,000 apprenticeship opportunities

NHS England is set to create 100,000 apprenticeships across the country by 2020, following the government’s drive to make 2.3 per cent of workers in the public sector apprentices.

The roles will be created in a range of areas, including: nursing and healthcare assistants; IT, estates and facilities; domestic and housekeeping services; business administration; and accounting.

17,000 new roles are expected to be established between 2015-16.

Ben Gummer, Health Minister, said: “As one of the largest employers in the world, I am immensely proud that the NHS is leading the way in offering thousands of aspiring young people the opportunity to become an apprentice. We will work with trusts across the country to improve access to a career in the healthcare system for anyone who has the drive and values to pursue it.

“This apprenticeship plan, along with the £10 billion we have invested to back the NHS’s own plans for the future, will ensure staff have the opportunity to develop their careers in both existing and also new and exciting roles such as nursing associates. We can’t have a strong NHS without a strong economy and this government is committed to creating more jobs and opportunities for Britain.”

The programme will give existing NHS staff the opportunity to try a new role or enhance their current role. It also aims to widen participation and social mobility by broadening the routes into training and employment, particularly with regard to attracting attracting young people and improving diversity in the workforce.