WORCESTERSHIRE Acute Hospitals NHS Trust recently received the title of Apprentice Employer of the Year at a countywide awards evening.

The trust, which runs the Alexandra, Kidderminster and Worcestershire Royal hospitals, was chosen to receive the award by training provider Worcestershire Group Training Association (WGTA), for its commitment and the support it gives to apprentices from the region.

Over the last three years the trust has supported over 130 business administration apprentices in gaining both their qualifications and valuable work experience in the NHS.

Kya Raymond, aged 20, from Worcester, completed her apprenticeship with the trust last year, and now works as an admin assistant in its occupational health department. She said: “I feel my time in the trust within the apprenticeship scheme was very rewarding. I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience which led to me successfully gaining a full-time job which I thoroughly enjoy.”

Sandra Berry, assistant director of human resources at the trust said: “It was an honour to receive this award. I am very proud of our learning and development team for the tremendous support and guidance they give apprentices and also the line managers and supervisors who guide and support the apprentices every day.

“An apprenticeship is a fantastic way of learning on-the-job and many apprentices have gone on to secure permanent jobs in our hospitals.”

To find out more about apprenticeships at the trust, visit orcsacute.nhs.uk/apprenticeships.