<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 data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</u></a> students took part in Future Skills Week, a week full of hands-on workshops, employer visits and essential training to ensure our students gain the crucial skills required for a career in the industry. &nbsp;</p><p>The week began with careers tutorials to ensure the students had a comprehensive understanding of the career options available to them after college. Students then took part in mock interviews with Seb Farr, the Recruitment and Retention Lead at <strong>Access Your Care</strong>, a local organisation which provides essential care services to residents across North Somerset. This prepared them for real-world interviews, giving them experience with the types of questions to ask, what they can expect, and the general format of an interview. This career-focused day aimed to reduce the fear and ambiguity that can accompany when finishing college. &nbsp;</p><p>A range of employers also delivered engaging workshops to provide a deeper understanding of the potential career paths available. Employers from organisations like <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and local care homes visited to outline the careers in care and the benefits, roles and responsibilities of this route. <strong>Access Your Care</strong> also visited again to deliver an introduction to <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</u></a> and engage our students with the key expectations within the industry and the values required to become a Health &amp; Social Care practitioner. &nbsp;</p><p>Introducing students to a wide range of employers provides them with invaluable networking opportunities and a broader view of the career pathways available to them within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</u></a> industry. From nursing and healthcare assistant, to carer, support worker or social care, students can progress to many roles that will make a difference within the community. Additionally, students could progress to occupational therapy, mental health practitioner, or even biological laboratory science. &nbsp;</p><p>By learning more about the potential options and career paths that students can pursue, gives them more time to consider their next steps following college. Depending on the route they wish to take, students may have to complete a degree or degree apprenticeship at university to become qualified, while some students may be able to go straight into full-time employment following the successful completion of their course. &nbsp;</p><p>Future Skills Week better equips our students with what to expect regarding the journey they must take to achieve their goals. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of the wide range of careers depending on their interests and gives them the opportunity to speak to healthcare professionals that have invaluable insight and knowledge regarding these careers.  &nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to all employers who took the time to take part in our Future Skills Week, engage with our students and share your journey and experiences with us. &nbsp;</p><p>This Future Skills Week forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</u></a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. &nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/healthcare/"><u>Healthcare</u>…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</a> students enjoyed an exciting and educational trip to <strong>Disneyland Paris</strong>, combining two days of park experiences with valuable professional development opportunities.&nbsp;</p><p>As part of the visit, students attended an international Healthcare Support Worker Conference, where they explored how principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) are embedded in the design of the park to ensure accessibility for all visitors. The conference also highlighted the importance of AED awareness, particularly&nbsp;in large-scale organisations, offering insights into how health and safety measures are implemented in globally recognised settings.&nbsp;</p><p>This experience allowed students to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, network with industry professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of how healthcare support roles&nbsp;operate&nbsp;within diverse sectors. The trip broadened their knowledge and provided a unique perspective on the application of healthcare principles in an international context.&nbsp;</p><p>A huge well done to all students for their maturity and professionalism throughout the trip, and special thanks to&nbsp;<a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</a> staff members,&nbsp;JJ Stallard-Gasson and Lauren Chapman,&nbsp;for their support and supervision, ensuring the visit was both educational and enjoyable.&nbsp;</p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.&nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/healthcare/">Healthcare</a&gt;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">Click here!</a></p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>