100 jobs at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is inviting one hundred young people aged 16-24 years to join a Modern Apprenticeship Scheme that guarantees them a job at the end of their training*, earning up to £12,600 per year as a Health Care Assistant (HCA).

No formal qualifications or practical experience are needed to join the scheme, which starts in September, but applicants must show enthusiasm, an interest in caring for people and a commitment to learning.

Apprentices will work three days a week in patient areas and take part in classroom based activities at the Hospitals two days a week, with the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised NVQ in Care, technical certificate, key skills and practical on-the-job experience. They will also receive a training allowance of £60 - £100 per week.

Young people from Sheffield are invited to visit two open days to find out more about the 15-month course and what's involved in becoming a Modern Apprentice:

Thursday 20th May 2004 - Dining Room, D Floor, Royal Hallamshire Hospital

Thursday 27th May 2004 - Chatsworth, Rivermead Centre, Northern General Hospital

Both events run from 2pm until 8pm and Trust education staff and representatives from different clinical departments will be on hand to answer questions.

"We are opening up doors for young people who previously may not have had the opportunity to enter into a career in health care before. The majority of the Apprentices' time is spent with patients in wards and departments learning valuable, practical skills that they can use to help the Hospitals to continue to provide excellent patient care."

Sue Hopkins,
Head of Student Education for the Trust.

Health Care Assistants make a real contribution to the service working as part of the health care team, providing essential patient care by helping to wash and dress patients, assisting at mealtimes and offering patients comfort and someone to talk to when they are feeling anxious or upset.

The new Apprentices will be well supported through their training by HCA 'buddies', fully qualified teaching staff and front line staff on the wards and departments where they will be working.

For more information about the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme, please contact the Modern Apprenticeship Information Line on
226 6659 or visit:

www.sheffield.nhs.uk/sth/modapps

There will be another opportunity for young people to join the Trust's Modern Apprenticeship Scheme in January 2005.

* Modern Apprentices are guaranteed a job as a HCA at the Trust subject to standard employment conditions.