THE first successful applicants are taking up their places on a new scheme at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, which offers valuable experience and a formal qualification.

Fifteen new business administration apprentices joined Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust this week as the trust’s first apprenticeship scheme got under way.

The apprentices, all aged between 16 and 25, will stay with the trust for 12 months with a typical working week divided between four days in the workplace and one day a week at college.

The apprentices are paid £95 per week and as well as the work experience, successful completion of the course earns them a Level 2 or 3 NVQ qualification.

The scheme has been made possible by funding from the Learning and Skills Council and West Midlands Strategic Health Authority.

Trust chief executive, John Rostill, said: “I am delighted that we are able to launch this scheme – particularly at a time when we hear so much about the difficulties younger people, in particular, are facing in finding jobs.

“Our vision is Local Care for Local People. As well as providing high quality health care, it is important that we recognise our role as a major employer and a major force in the local economy.

“Providing paid apprenticeship opportunities and helping to increase skill levels in the local workforce will make a positive contribution to Worcestershire’s economic wellbeing.

“I look forward to welcoming the new apprentices to our trust – I hope they will find that unlike their TV namesakes, they find their boss a little more easy going than Sir Alan.”