An award-winning North East student is helping to shine a light on the importance apprenticeships can play in the healthcare sector.
Lance Gourley, 32, has balanced studying a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Sunderland and working as a healthcare assistant for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
He believes that apprenticeship schemes such as the one offered by the university play a pivotal role in developing a skilled NHS workforce.
Speaking during National Apprenticeship Week (Monday, February 5 to Sunday, February 11) Lance, from Murton, County Durham, said: “Tackling NHS staff shortages is vital in providing safe, effective patient care, which each and every colleague strives to provide, so I’d say to anyone thinking of doing this apprenticeship, just go for it. There is nothing to lose but potentially a lot to gain.
“As I’ve progressed through the apprenticeship, my confidence has grown. It’s helped me become more proactive rather than reactive. I’ve built on my skills and knowledge, and I now feel like I can deal with emotional situations and patient conflict more independently.”
During his time studying, Lance received the STAR award which is given by the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust in recognition of the brilliant work apprentices do in making sure patients are given high-quality care.
Gemma Taylor, Workforce Development and Education Manager at the Trust, said: "Lance is a shining example of how an apprenticeship can be a fantastic way into a fulfilling and successful career, whilst continuing to earn a salary throughout the apprenticeship.
"We have a fantastic relationship with the University of Sunderland and opportunities such as the one Lance followed up proves there are lots of ways into working in the NHS.”
Since launching in 2016 with just a handful of employers, the university’s degree apprenticeship scheme has grown year on year.
Now partnering with more than 100 organisations, the university is currently educating and training more than 930 apprentices working on programmes from Level 3 to degree level across a range of sectors and job roles.
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Professor Laura Stroud, Dean of Health Sciences and Wellbeing at the University of Sunderland, said: “Apprenticeships play a hugely important part in securing the future healthcare workforce, with apprentices having the opportunity to earn and learn whilst building skills, knowledge and experience.”
This is the 17th annual National Apprenticeship Week, a week-long celebration that takes place across England, showcasing the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies and how they all benefit from the impact of apprenticeships.
To find out more about Higher and Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Sunderland, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships/
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