<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>Last night, we were proud to host our annual <strong>Apprenticeship Open Evening,</strong> welcoming prospective students, parents and carers to explore the exciting career pathways available through apprenticeships.</p><p><span data-teams="true">With <strong>500</strong> people registered to attend, the event once again demonstrated the growing demand for high-quality apprenticeship opportunities. Visitors had the opportunity to speak directly with employers and our dedicated Apprenticeships Team, gaining valuable insight into live vacancies, industry expectations and progression routes.</span></p><p>Attendees explored opportunities across a wide range of sectors including Engineering, Construction, Business, Health, Early Years, Digital and Public Services.</p><p>We would like to thank the following employers for supporting the event:</p><ul><li><a href="https://gilbert-ash.com/">Gilbert Ash</a></li><li><a href="https://cardogroup.co.uk/">Cardo Group</a></li><li><a href="https://redconstruction.co.uk/">RED Construction Ltd</a></li><li><a href="https://www.howardsgroup.co.uk/car-deals/new/suzuki/e-vitara/personal-c…{campaign}&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21200728527&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAncvMBhBEEiwA9GU_flBUFnckC7Zdv8sHZ3PlDnTKAJwbRn_p7UoMbOTA09FHUeQHl2ZIFRoCnNQQAvD_BwE">Howards Group</a></li><li><a href="https://plasma.oxinst.com/">Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nccuk.com/">National Composites Centre</a></li><li><a href="https://www.airbus.com/en">Airbus</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bakerhughes.com/">Baker Hughes</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence">Minist… of Defence</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bristolport.co.uk/">The Bristol Port Company</a></li><li><a href="https://www.babcockinternational.com/">Babcock International Group</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gknaerospace.com/">GKN Aerospace</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ymca-dg.org/">YMCA Dulverton Group</a></li><li><a href="https://www.rydaldaynursery.co.uk/">Rydal Day Nursery</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thatcherscider.co.uk/">Thatchers Cider</a></li><li><a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/">University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust</a></li><li><a href="https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/">Avon and Somerset Police</a></li><li><a href="https://ipeco.com/">IPECO</a></li><li><a href="https://www.taylorwoodrow.com/">Taylor Woodrow</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sharedapprenticeships.com/">Shared Apprenticeships</a></li></ul><p>Their continued partnership plays a vital role in connecting learners with real employment opportunities and helping to develop the future workforce across our region.</p><p>If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships and view our current vacancies, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships">click here.</a></p>

<p>Weston College is celebrating the launch of its first cohort of <strong>Engineering Foundation Apprenticeships</strong>, with 21 learners enrolling with <strong>GKN Aerospace</strong> this week. This represents almost <strong>two thirds of all Foundation Apprenticeship starts nationally</strong> since the programme launched in August 2025.</p><p>The milestone comes as new national figures show that just 36 Foundation Apprentices have started across England in the first three months of the government-backed initiative, highlighting the significance of <strong>Weston College’s early progress</strong> in delivering the programme with <strong>GKN Aerospace</strong>.</p><p>Introduced by the government in August 2025, the <strong>Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship</strong> is designed to provide a <strong>supportive entry route into technical careers for young people</strong> who may not yet be ready to start a full Level 2 apprenticeship. <strong>Weston College’s partnership with GKN Aerospace</strong> has resulted in one of the largest early cohorts nationally, positioning the College and the employer as early adopters of the new pathway.</p><p>The 21 apprentices were officially onboarded this week, with <strong>Weston College</strong> staff attending the <strong>GKN Aerospace</strong> site to support induction and welcome learners onto the programme.</p><p>All recruits are enrolled on the <strong>Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship</strong>, which places emphasis on <strong>attitude, curiosity and motivation</strong>, rather than formal academic achievement. There are no minimum academic entry requirements, ensuring the programme is accessible to young people with the potential to succeed in engineering.</p><p>The <strong>Foundation Apprenticeship lasts eight months</strong> and is delivered through a block-release model, shared between Weston College and GKN Aerospace. The programme begins with a strong focus on <strong>employability skills, confidence building and workplace behaviour</strong>s, before progressing into technical learning and practical industry experience.</p><p>On completion, learners can move on to a <strong>Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship</strong>, followed by a possible progression onto a <strong>Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship</strong>, creating a clear progression and career development pathway within the sector.</p><p><strong>GKN Aerospace</strong> has taken a deliberately different and innovative approach to recruitment for the programme, focusing on potential rather than prior attainment. By removing minimum academic entry requirements and working closely with Weston College to reach young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET, the company <strong>has widened access to engineering careers while building a strong future talent pipeline for the business</strong>.</p><p>The new apprentices have spoken positively about the opportunity and their future ambitions in engineering. Harry said: “I am excited about starting this foundation apprenticeship. I see it as an excellent entry point into a great career. I am passionate about mechanical and scientific work and prefer hands-on learning, which is why an apprenticeship is the ideal route for me. I am committed to building a long-term career with GKN Aerospace and am open to progressing to higher qualification levels in the future.”</p><p>Rubie added: “This feels like the right opportunity for me as it aligns with my long-standing interest in engineering. I want to pursue my career ambitions while I am young and see this apprenticeship as a strong foundation for the future. I am open to seeing where the apprenticeship leads but would like to work towards a Level 6 qualification in the long term.”</p><p>With employer demand continuing to grow and further cohorts already under discussion, Weston College believes its partnership-led approach could help accelerate the national take-up of <strong>Foundation Apprenticeships</strong>.</p>