When it comes to apprenticeships, the NHS might not be the first employer that springs to mind.

But Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust has around 60 apprentices at any one time, working in clinical roles within hospitals and the community, as well as in IT and business administration.

The Trust offers apprenticeships aimed at anyone aged 16 plus. The Trust's current apprenticeships ranges from apprentices who join the Trust after leaving school or college to those that are doing apprenticeships later in life to retrain and learn new skills.

It offers a level 2 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship based in one of the Trust's seven community hospitals like Stroud General Hospital or North Cotswolds Hospital in Moreton-in-Marsh. The apprentice works as a healthcare assistant (HCA) learning on the job from experienced HCAs and nurses.

This would then lead onto a post as a HCA. There are progression pathways that can lead to apprentices becoming qualified registered nurses if that is what they choose. The level 3 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship is 18 months long and based mainly in the community, working as clinical therapy assistants alongside therapists like occupational therapists (OTs) and speech and language therapists.

The Trust also offers a variety of roles within its support services; these posts are based working within an office environment providing dedicated support that is needed for the NHS to function effectively.

Whilst studying as an apprentice within these roles it will lead to a nationally recognised qualification in IT or Business Administration. The Trust's Amanda Spencer won the Higher Apprentice of the Year Award at Health Education England's South West Star Awards for her level 4 qualification in Business Administration.

In fact, the Trust won no fewer than three out of a total of eight Star Awards in its first year of participating in the scheme which recognises the best in education and training in health and social care across the South West. The two other Trust winners were Meg Cooke and Jess Carman. Meg, 18, who works in podiatry in Stroud, was named Intermediate Apprentice of the Year.

She joined the Trust in July 2017, with the ultimate aim of becoming a podiatrist. During the snow at the start of March, Meg was so committed to her job that she walked five miles to work and back.

Tina Craig, head of podiatry at the Trust, said: "Megan really has exceeded all expectations in delivering first class patient care.

She is courteous and interested in patients and good at forming a rapport. A recent patient comment card stated: 'Thank you so much for persevering with me. Even though I am in a lot of pain, I would not have been able do to it without you.' This is a real testament to how all of our patients feel about her.

Jess Carman, 19, was named Advanced Apprentice of the Year. She is an apprentice endoscopy nurse working at Stroud Hospital. She first visited the hospital as a work experience student and spent a day with the endoscopy team, which really appealed to her.

Jess's workplace manager said: "Jess has been amazing since the first day she started in endoscopy. She works incredibly hard and also helps others in the team without being asked. Jess is extremely caring and compassionate with the patients. Just that kind smile goes a long way! Nothing is too much trouble for her."

Jonathan Hall, Apprenticeship Facilitator from the Trust, said: "Apprenticeships are a great way to learn new skills whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification. There are so many opportunities available within the NHS in Gloucestershire, including at local community hospitals that might be located near to your home. The support that is given to our apprentices is outstanding and this has shown through with Meg, Jess and Amanda being recognised for their hard work at the Star Awards."

To register your interest in an apprenticeship with Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust, email apprenticeships@glos-care.nhs.uk. Health vacancies are advertised in December for a February start and May for a September start, while opportunities in IT and business admin are available throughout the year.

*Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust provides a range of services to Gloucestershire's population of approximately 600,000 people. It runs seven community hospitals, provides services such as community nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and also runs health visiting, school nursing and speech and language therapy services for children. The Trust also provides a number of specialist services including sexual health, heart failure, community dentistry, diabetes, IV therapy, tissue viability and community equipment.

Picture: left to right, Advanced Apprentice of the Year Jess Carman with Higher Apprentice of the Year winner Amanda Spencer and Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Megan Cooke.