NHS Highland's Riverside Medical Practice in Thurso backs Scottish Apprenticeship Week
A doctor's surgery in Thurso says apprenticeships help keep young people in the area by developing their skills while earning.
NHS Highland is highlighting the benefits of learning while you earn during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which runs until Friday.
The health board says the positive impact of the schemes on the individual can also help the organisation improve.
Catriona Naughton, senior practice manger at Riverbank Medical Practice in Thurso, knows how important it is to invest in the professional development of her team and includes offering employment opportunities to the young people of Caithness.
She said: “We can offer quality, work-based opportunities for young people in the local area. They earn as they learn, developing knowledge, skills and experience which sets them on a career pathway. It’s a cliché but young people are our future and we should capitalise on their energy and enthusiasm.
“I have always been a big supporter of the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) and its broader programme and encourage members of my team to develop professionally through this route.”
Beth Warner was recruited to the practice in 2018 as the practice's first Business and Administration Modern Apprentice, successfully completing her MA in September 2019 and securing a permanent post.
The practice is now supporting Beth through her application to Heriot Watt University for enrolment on its Business Graduate Apprentice programme. The programme enables Beth to continue in her receptionist/administrator role while studying for her Master of Arts (Hons) in business management.
Beth said: “I found there was a good balance between work and college studies and my learning in the workplace provided the evidence needed to build my portfolio.
"I had lots of support from the practice and the college. I am very excited at the prospect of moving onto the Graduate Apprenticeship programme and taking up my studies once again. The prospect of gaining a degree in tandem with my job role, plus the ability to stay local, is fantastic.”
Her colleague Amy Harrold is an experienced member of the practice’s clinical support team, having worked with them for a number of years. She has recently enrolled on an MA course of study to achieve her SVQ in management at SCQF level 7 and the practice will be actively supporting Amy to reach her goals.
Amy said: “I’ve been working in the practice for seven years and have been given the opportunity to undertake a Modern Apprenticeship in management. This will further enable my career development and widen my aspirations and future role possibilities.”
Linda Skinner, education, learning and development advisor (apprenticeships) for NHS Highland, said: “The apprenticeship programmes demonstrate clear career pathways for developing our workforce for the future."
If you have a vacancy or want to discuss up-skilling existing staff, contact linda.skinner5@nhs.scot