• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust one of few trusts to offer Theatre Support Worker apprenticeship
• Course provides on the job training and protected learning time
• Trust highlights apprenticeship opportunities as part of National Apprenticeship Week

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust will be helping to kick start the careers of the next generation of theatres nurses and practitioners, after launching a brand new theatre support worker apprenticeship.

The Theatre Support Worker apprenticeship is offered at only a few NHS trusts in England, and includes clinical on the job training and dedicated learning time at Bolton College.

The new apprentices will be given the opportunity to work in the busy Operating Theatre Department at Royal Bolton Hospital, providing support by transferring patients between clinical areas, preparing clinical areas before procedures and supporting clinical teams during an operation.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week (10 – 16 February), Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is highlighting the 150 different apprenticeship courses it offers to both staff working at the Trust and people looking to start a career in healthcare.

Emma Vickers, Anaesthetic Practitioner at the Trust, started as a theatre support worker before joining the Operating Department Practitioner apprenticeship.

Emma said:

Many people have been down a similar path of completing an apprenticeship and understand what support you need as you spend time in different areas of the hospital. The support I received allowed me to develop the knowledge and skills I needed in the role.

“We’re part of a big team, but everyone has their individual roles which all make a difference. I feel honoured to be a part of that, and I feel that we as anaesthetic practitioners have a unique role.

Rebecca Cook was a Healthcare Assistant in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), before applying for a theatres-based apprenticeship as an Operating Department Practitioner.

The apprenticeship opened the door to me to be able to complete this course, as I was able to learn whilst I earned – and I was really impressed with how hands-on it was.

Rebecca, who is now an Anaesthetic Practitioner at the Trust, added:

The role is more than the job description, it’s making sure that you can empathise with your patients and help them to feel at ease at what can be a really difficult time in their life.

“It’s such a rewarding career as we’re always trying to do the very best for our patients and helping them into recovery.

“Age does not matter when it comes to apprenticeships. I’m touching 40 and felt I always had the support I needed, which for me was helpful when it came to developing my digital skills. Apprenticeships are open to everyone, and I would encourage people to consider them if they are looking for a career change or want to develop their skills.

National Apprenticeship Week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships and skills to celebrate the value, benefit and opportunity that they bring.

During the past twelve months, dozens of staff at the Trust have completed apprenticeships to develop their skills and progress their career.

Adam Bailey, Patient Care Officer for Laboratory Support at the Trust, recently completed the Customer Service Level 2 apprenticeship to kick-start his healthcare career.

I really valued the support I got from my team in the hospital, especially whilst ensuring that my off-the-job training was being maintained during the apprenticeship.

I received support from my colleagues with the feeling of belonging as part of a team, where I feel like my actions benefit my team.

“My advice would be always be ready to ask questions as everyone has a different way of doing a task and goal.

The Trust also provides a wealth of resources for staff to develop their learning through the Knowledge and Library team, including access to free online learning, books and journals.

Carol Sheard, Deputy Chief People Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Apprenticeships can change people’s careers for the better, whether that’s to progress your current career path or to explore new and exciting opportunities.

“We’re delighted to offer 150 different courses, from clinical roles to leadership and management, which are equipping our staff with the skills they need to enjoy a successful and fulfilling career with us in the NHS.

“Providing opportunities for skills growth amongst our staff also puts us in a really strong position to provide really high quality and effective care for both now and in the years to come.

To find your career or apprenticeship at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, visit the jobs page of our website.