A local NHS apprentice was invited to join national leaders and policymakers at Westminster this week to highlight the value of apprenticeships in building the future healthcare workforce and promoting careers in the NHS.
Will Birley, who works in the communications and engagement team at NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board and a student with QA, attended a roundtable hosted by The Right Honourable Laura Trott MP, Shadow Education Secretary, and the Association of Apprentices to mark National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February).
The event brought together apprentices from across the country to; share their experiences across different sectors, discuss barriers to progression, and explore how apprenticeships can be strengthened to support skills development, social mobility, and long-term workforce sustainability.
My apprenticeship has given me a real opportunity to develop my skills while making a difference in my community. It has shown me just how many career paths are available in the NHS and how apprenticeships can open doors for people from all backgrounds. My experience in parliament gave me the chance to meet other apprentices from across the country, share my experience as an apprentice with MPs, and help shape apprenticeships for the future.
Will Birley, Communications and Engagement Apprentice, NHS Mid and South Essex
Will is currently completing a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer apprenticeship, combining practical experience with professional training to support local NHS services and improve access to care for local communities.
Apprentices bring energy, fresh thinking and practical skills that strengthen our organisation and directly support better care for local people. Will is an excellent example of this, and his professionalism, commitment and impact in our communications team have made a real difference. We are proud to see him invited to Westminster to represent apprentices at a national level
The best advocates for apprenticeships are apprentices themselves. We’re so proud to see QA learner Will Birley showcasing exactly why apprenticeships are no longer a ‘nice to have’ in the NHS. They are a powerful lever for building a skilled, diverse and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
Jo Bishenden, Chief Learning Officer at QA
QA work closely with the NHS and together we believe that combining real work experience with high-quality training is one of the most powerful ways to grow talent and improve patient care. Embracing apprenticeships helps us not only develop careers but also transform services for the long term.
The roundtable organised by the Association of Apprentices focuses on key issues affecting apprentices, including access to higher-level training, funding reforms, employer support, and the importance of high-quality onboarding, mentoring and pastoral care.
The NHS provides a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities, supporting school leavers, career changers and existing staff to progress across more than 350 different roles, from frontline healthcare and digital services to management, finance and communications.
Anyone interested in a career in the NHS can find out more about apprenticeships and career pathways in Essex by visiting the Our People Your Future website.
Photo copyright: Association of Apprentices