The new apprenticeship is specifically aimed at helping young people who have left school or college into the workforce and marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to developing new talent and strengthening the future of health care.
The latest cohort of young people joining us as healthcare Apprentice Support Workers follows on from the success of our initial cohort who joined a social care division earlier this year.
As part of their journey, they will complete the Level 2 Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship Standard — a nationally recognised programme that builds strong foundations in communication, safeguarding, professional practice and promoting independence. This is in collaboration with Learning Curve Group.
The new apprentices will be based at Cygnet Hospital Bierley in Bradford, West Yorkshire. The hospital provides a range of acute and low secure mental health services for men and women.
Kate Gorse-Brightmore, Hospital Manager, said: “I am so excited to be able to provide an opportunity for these fabulous young people to be able to complete their health care support worker apprenticeship at Cygnet Hospital Bierley and to be able to contribute to their development and career journey.
She added: “It is a real privilege. It is also a huge benefit to the service as we have seen how our young people in clinical roles bring that energy and passion to the service and in their approach to caring for our patients and their families. This is just fantastic all round!”
Faye Malkin, Cygnet’s Group Training Manager for Apprenticeships, said: “The addition of this second cohort of apprentice support workers shows that Cygnet is, not only supporting local people into meaningful careers, but also nurturing the next generation of compassionate, skilled care professionals.”
At the end of their first week, one of the apprentices said: “My first week at training was a really positive and informative experience. From the start, I felt welcomed and supported.”
Another apprentice, who has some previous experience in the sector, said: “The ongoing support has been something I’ve never experienced in the care sector before and makes me proud to be a part of Cygnet.”