<p data-start="497" data-end="679">This <strong>National Apprenticeship Week,</strong> we spoke to <a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/">University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust</a> <a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/">(UHBW)</a&gt; about how their apprenticeships are shaping careers!</p><p data-start="497" data-end="679">&nbsp;</p><p><strong>UHBW Blog -&nbsp;</strong></p><p>At University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to work in partnership with Weston College and <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston </a>to offer a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities that help learners build meaningful careers while gaining hands-on experience in the workplace.</p><p>Apprenticeships are a vital part of how we grow our workforce, develop talent, and support individuals to reach their full potential. We currently offer a broad range of <strong>Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships </strong>across many essential sectors, including<strong> Nursing, Nursing Associate, Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW), Electrician, Carpentry, Hospitality, Occupational Therapy </strong>and potentially<strong> Physiotherapy.</strong> This diverse offer means learners from different backgrounds and interests can find a pathway that suits their ambitions, whether they are drawn to clinical care, technical trades, or support services.</p><p>Our apprentices learn in an active, real-world workplace where they can develop skills alongside experienced professionals. Typically, learners spend one day per week studying, with the remainder of the week working in their role within UHBW. This blend of practical experience and structured learning allows apprentices to apply knowledge immediately, while receiving guidance from both their employer and Weston College or UCW. On successful completion, apprentices gain a recognised qualification, setting them up for future career progression.</p><p>At UHBW, we value attitude as much as qualifications. We look for people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn, and able to advocate for themselves in order to maximise learning opportunities. If you’re curious, proactive, and ready to grow, you’ll fit right in.</p><p>We regularly see apprentices thrive at UHBW. One standout example is a Healthcare Support Worker apprentice who was invited to appear on a podcast to share their experiences, highlighting both the impact of their role and the confidence they’ve gained through their apprenticeship journey.</p><p>Apprenticeships are a truly mutually beneficial arrangement. They help us build a skilled workforce tailored to our needs, improve retention and loyalty, and reduce recruitment and training costs. By growing our own talent, we invest in people who already understand our values, culture, and commitment to patient care.</p><p>Progression into a full-time role after completing an apprenticeship is dependent on the specific programme and the availability of vacancies. However, many apprentices do go on to secure permanent positions or progress to higher-level training within UHBW.</p><p>UHBW does not work to fixed recruitment dates, but we generally align with the usual college intake cycles. Learners are encouraged to talk to their manager about their interest, discuss progression during appraisals or supervision, and complete a careers conversation if they are unsure about the best pathway. All recruitment updates are shared via UHBW’s internal recruitment pages and Viva Engage communications.</p><p>For anyone considering an apprenticeship, our advice is simple: go for it. An apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity to get paid while you learn, build annual leave entitlement, develop valuable skills, work for a great employer, and gain a qualification without paying tuition fees. It’s a powerful way to start or change your career.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/88092"><img data-entity-uuid="c446abba-d28d-4d2f-b612-18dcf81eed05" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Power%20Up%20-%20WEB%20BANNER_1.jpg" width="5522" height="1355"></a>

<p data-start="267" data-end="409">We spoke with <a href="https://www.muller.co.uk/">Müller</a&gt; about the Leadership and Management apprenticeships they offer through Weston College, designed to develop their employee's skills and support career progression.</p><p data-start="411" data-end="431">&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Could you briefly introduce Müller and the work the organisation does?</strong></p><p>We make dairy that makes people smile – as well as being nutritious and delicious! From Müller Corner yogurts to the 100% British milk you put in your morning cuppa, our products have been loved across the UK &amp; Ireland for generations.</p><p>Sourcing milk from over 1,000 farms up and down the UK, we serve millions of families every day with a range of branded and private label goods which are nutritious and delicious. We’re one of the UK and Ireland’s major dairy manufacturers and, with milk in 97% of UK fridges and yogurt in 78%, there’s a very good chance you have a Müller product in yours.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Can you outline the Leadership and Management training you offer?</strong></p><p>We presently offer Level 3 and Level 5 Leadership training that is designed to give Muller Colleagues the opportunity to develop, extend their knowledge and progress their careers with our business. The courses are designed to allow sufficient time for each member on each cohort to spend time, not only learning about their apprenticeship, but also getting to know colleagues across the business.</p><p>Each Cohort is aligned to provide a block release period every 6-8 weeks for all individuals to attend and spend 3 days together with Weston College and to work with one another, supporting each other through their journey. We purposely vary locations across the UK, using both Muller facilities, so that colleagues get to visit other locations in the Muller Network, and also, off site locations to allow each Cohort time to focus away from the work environment.</p><p>It is hopeful that the program will provide individuals and the muller business, clear lines of succession and internal promotion opportunities</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What kind of impact has the Leadership and Management training had on participants?</strong></p><p>We have had a couple of individuals so far that have been offered opportunities to move into new roles. Please see some Bio’s from some of the management team below.</p><p><em>“Our apprentice is currently undertaking a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management which has already had a positive impact on both his development and our wider function. The programme has given the individual a deeper understanding of various leadership styles and how to apply them effectively in his day-to-day role. This has strengthened his confidence, improved his decision-making and enhanced the way he supports the team. The apprenticeship is also helping to build a strong pipeline of future leaders through the academy, creating further opportunities for growth within the business.”&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>“Both of our apprentices have been given exposure to certain meetings (management meeting and Business planning) which aids them with their exposure to other sites and knowledge of higher level detail. They have been going above and beyond their job role as they have taken on certain projects to aid with the course and support the business. And we are really pleased to say that one of our apprentices has recently been seconded into a shift lead role with the support of the course getting her ready for that next step.”</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Why do you believe it is important for organisations to continuously upskill their staff?</strong></p><p>We believe in creating an environment whereby people feel valued. In Muller, we want individuals to be able to develop both personally and technically and to equip them with the right skills to progress their careers. For any successful organisation, people must be at the heart of everything they do. Failure to give people the opportunity to develop often leads to individuals becoming stagnant, uninterested and potentially looking for other roles.</p><p>If organisations invest, they create interest, a desire to develop, an engaged and knowledgeable workforce that provides clear succession plans and futureproofs any business.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Are there any standout success stories from learners who have completed the programme?</strong></p><p>We have a couple of individuals that have so far been offered secondment roles into more senior positions and are thriving. We are confident that this will continue as the course evolves through 2026.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for the number of staff you hope to enrol on this course?</strong></p><p>We hope to have approximately 40-60 colleagues undertaking the Level 3 and 5 Apprenticeships per year for the next 5 years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Finally, what broader impact do you hope this training will have on the businesses that invest in their employees through this programme?</strong></p><p>Lower Turnover and a more engaged and knowledgeable workforce.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>LEARNER FEEDBACK TO LECTURER FROM LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT APPRENTICESHIP -&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><em>"You somehow managed to keep us all engaged even when the content was heavy on theory and felt more like a long uphill ruck than a quick win. What I really appreciated was how you kept us moving in the right direction while still giving us the space to explore how the topics actually applied to our own individual roles.</em></p><p><em>"Even when sessions drifted into a bit of work-related moaning (which they inevitably did), you always managed to steer it back into something useful rather than letting it spiral.</em></p><p><em>"You were also very good at reading the room. Whether we were struggling with a concept, fading badly after lunch, or just mentally running on fumes, you knew when to push, when to pause, and when an extra coffee break was the sensible option. Your depth of knowledge, and the way you grounded the theory in real-world examples, made a big difference to how well it all landed for me.</em></p><p><em>"On a more personal note, I also want to say thank you for the conversations we had during the odd evening dinners you had with the group. Your encouragement around my own ability and potential has genuinely given me a lot to think about going forward. If I do get the opportunity to take on the Level 5 course, I’d hope I’d be lucky enough to have you as my lecturer again.</em></p><p><em>"Thanks again for everything over the past year. It’s been genuinely appreciated, even the heavier bits."</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/88092"><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9206b0a-2ceb-43a8-8cc9-a0fc47f30aec" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_900x900&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity></a>

<p><strong>Leadership</strong> isn’t really about job titles. It’s about making good decisions under pressure, bringing people with you, and turning plans into day-to-day action. In a fast-moving labour market, those skills don’t develop by accident. They need time, practice and real responsibility. That idea underpins how Weston College approaches <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/employers/training-courses-businesses?utm_sour… and management training.</strong></a></p><p>Too often, management training is treated as a one-off course or a perk that comes with promotion. In reality, people grow into leadership over time. Weston College’s apprenticeships are built to reflect that, supporting managers as they learn on the job, with real teams and real challenges.</p><p>For new managers and supervisors,<strong> Level 3 programmes</strong> cover the essentials: <strong>leading teams, managing performance, communicating clearly</strong> and <strong>making sound decisions. </strong>These programmes are widely used in sectors such as hospitality, retail, health and social care, and small to medium-sized businesses, where managers are often promoted from within.</p><p><strong>Level 5 programmes </strong>are aimed at more experienced leaders, including operational and departmental managers with responsibility for people, projects and budgets. Here, the focus shifts to <strong>strategic thinking,</strong> <strong>managing change </strong>and <strong>delivering results through others.</strong></p><p>The structure matters as much as the content. Leadership apprenticeships usually run for 12 to 24 months and combine day-to-day work with protected learning time. This means new skills are applied straight away, rather than being learned in isolation and forgotten.</p><p>Although based in the South West, Weston College works with employers across the UK. The leadership challenges faced by organisations are often similar, whether they’re in Somerset, the Midlands or elsewhere. Delivery is therefore flexible, with face-to-face, blended and remote options, and the ability to tailor programmes where employers want specific skills built in.</p><p>A wide range of organisations work with Weston College, including the <strong>NHS, Wessex Water, Thatchers, Muller, ICTS, Rhoper Rhodes and Bristol Port.</strong> What they have in common is an understanding that strong leadership has a direct impact on performance, retention and workplace culture. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Why Apprenticeships Make Business Sense</strong></p><p>For employers, leadership apprenticeships offer both short and long-term benefits.</p><p>In the short term, they provide a practical way to address skills gaps. Apprentices are employees from day one, developing leadership capability while contributing to the organisation. With government funding and free recruitment support available, the financial barrier is much lower than many expect.</p><p>Over time, the benefits go further. Apprenticeships help organisations develop leaders who already understand their systems, values and people. This supports succession planning, improves retention and reduces the need for external recruitment. Weston College sees consistently high completion rates and strong progression into permanent roles, demonstrating clear value for employers.</p><p>For learners, leadership apprenticeships offer something traditional training routes often can’t: momentum. Apprentices earn a salary while gaining recognised qualifications, hands-on leadership experience and ongoing support.</p><p>Many learners move through multiple levels, progressing from team leadership into senior operational roles or degree-level study. Along the way, they build confidence, professional credibility and skills that are valued across the labour market.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z4MmVubvdbs?si=QwGH149QogXcleSP&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><strong>Clear Guidance on Funding and Support</strong></p><p>Apprenticeship funding can feel complex, particularly for small and medium-sized employers. While levy-paying organisations use their apprenticeship accounts, recent changes have made funding more accessible for SMEs, especially those developing new or younger managers.</p><p>Because the rules change regularly, clarity matters. Weston College’s apprenticeship team works closely with employers to explain funding options, levy transfers and any available incentives, helping organisations make informed decisions with confidence.</p><p>Just as importantly, Weston College works as a partner rather than simply a training provider. Employers are supported with recruitment, programme design, regular reviews and end-point assessment planning. Apprenticeships are built into workforce planning, not treated as an add-on.</p><p>As organisations face growing pressure to deliver more with fewer resources, leadership quality becomes even more important. Developing managers from within is no longer a “nice to have” - it’s essential.</p><p>By combining real work, structured learning and close employer support, leadership and management apprenticeships at Weston College offer a practical way to build the leaders organisations need, now and in the years ahead.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/88092"><img data-entity-uuid="f8c4945b-58ba-4a2f-b3a5-3dba2842bbdc" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Power%20Up%20-%20WEB%20BANNER_2.jpg" width="5522" height="1355"></a>