Hear from our Apprentice Employers
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH)
I started my career in 2017, where I joined the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as an Apprentice Administrator working within maternity, undertaking the Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship Standard. I decided to undertake an apprenticeship as I didn’t have any previous administrative experience, and also lacked a lot of confidence in myself. Being able to join the trust as an apprentice allowed me to build up my skills and knowledge and develop myself personally and professionally.
Jade Hill, one of the apprentices working at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
I have since progressed twice within the team, and am completing my Level 5 Operating/Departmental Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard. I work within the Career Development Team, where we oversee Apprenticeships, T Levels, pre-employment and work experience programmes.
We have worked with City College Norwich for a number of years, who have delivered a wide range of apprenticeships for us including Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker, Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner, Level 3 Business Administration, Level 3 Mechatronic Maintenance Technician, Level 3 Social Media and Digital Marketing, Level 4 Healthcare Science, Level 5 Assistant Practitioner, and Level 6 Chartered Manager. We work closely with the assessors and delivery manager at the college to ensure our apprentices are remaining on target to complete within the required time-frame. We have built a strong working relationship with City College Norwich, and the feedback provided by our apprentices also demonstrates the exemplary support that the college’s assessors provide whilst they are on programme.
I have seen through my own experiences how beneficial completing an apprenticeship can be. It provides an amazing opportunity for those wanting to start their career or continue their professional development through predominantly work-based learning, and is a great alternative to sixth form or university. 92% of our apprentices who started with us have moved into substantive employment at the trust following completion, and 98% have gone on to achieve a positive outcome whether this is gaining employment at another organisation or starting higher education. I think an apprenticeship allows an individual the opportunity to get their foot in the door and gain valuable work experience, that can help them with shaping their future career goals.
Daisy Hanton
Deputy Career Development Manager
George Arlington Hotel Ltd
The George hotel is a wonderful boutique 43-bedroom hotel just off Newmarket Road and it also includes a very popular restaurant called the Arlington coffee lounge and bistro. The George is dedicated to assisting the college with their apprenticeship schemes to encourage bright new talent into the hospitality industry.
Ryan and John, two apprentices with the George Hotel Norwich.
Over the many years we have seen many student gain a wealth of experience on this scheme, some of which have remained with us and some have left to build their careers in other parts of the country. We have one particular apprentice who is progressing really well and has shown a huge amount of potential and is working towards his management degree. This is an amazing and financially beneficial way to not only obtain a degree but also gain all the experience needed to put them in the best position to get them the job really want, as they are going to interviews armed with not only the required qualifications but the required experience in the working environment too.
Having an apprentice has proved beneficial to the company as they often show more dedication and enthusiasm for the role to which they are employed which resonates not only with the customers but their co-workers too. I would say being an apprentice is not an easy option, it requires a lot of hard work and again, dedication for the vocation. The ongoing support the college provides is invaluable, giving them the additional support they need to get through.
I would encourage anyone in the hospitality industry to take on apprentices, these great young people may need encouragement, patience and support but they are there because that is the career path they have chosen to take and will make every effort to succeed. This in turn helps the employer succeed by often having long term dedicated staff members to help the business thrive.