Annela Hussain - Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has made apprenticeships a cornerstone of its workforce strategy, working with the University of Salford to upskill existing staff, attract new clinical talent, and create a clear pipeline for hard-to-recruit roles across Enhanced Clinical Practitioner and Nursing Associate programmes. Vocational Learning Lead Annela Hussain credits the University's responsive employer engagement and high-quality teaching with delivering real results. We spoke with Annela to find out how partnering with the University of Salford has helped develop their apprentices and organisation.
We asked Annela...
How have apprenticeships supported workforce development, skills growth, or staff retention within your organisation?
Apprenticeships have played a key role in building a sustainable and skilled workforce. We currently have nine live apprentices with the University of Salford. We have worked with the university for several years. Our apprentices include one Enhanced Clinical Practitioner (ECP) and several Nursing Associate apprentices.
Through these programmes, we've upskilled existing staff and introduced new clinical talent. We have also created a clear pipeline for hard-to-recruit roles. This approach has strengthened retention, improved service capacity, and built a more confident and capable clinical workforce.
What motivated your organisation to offer apprenticeships, and why did you choose the University of Salford as your training provider?
We were motivated by the need to grow our workforce from within while offering meaningful career development opportunities. Apprenticeships allow us to invest in our people, address workforce shortages, and build long-term stability.
The University of Salford was chosen for its strong reputation in healthcare education, excellent employer engagement, and robust support structure for apprentices. Their programmes closely align with our clinical workforce needs and offer a high-quality learning experience.
What are the key benefits apprenticeships bring to your organisation?
Apprenticeships help us introduce new talent, develop existing employees, and strengthen succession planning. They give staff the chance to gain qualifications while remaining in paid employment, improving morale and retention.
Clinically, apprentices bring enthusiasm, up-to-date knowledge, and fresh ideas that benefit patients and teams. Operationally, apprenticeships support workforce resilience and reduce reliance on temporary staffing.
Based on your experience, would you recommend apprenticeships and the University of Salford to other organisations?
Yes, we do recommend The University of Salford as a provider; they are responsive, supportive, and committed to high-quality teaching. Our apprentices have developed significantly in confidence, competence, and professionalism.
For organisations aiming to build a strong and sustainable workforce, apprenticeships, particularly those delivered by Salford, are an excellent investment.
What advice would you give to organisations considering apprenticeships for the first time?
Start by identifying areas where apprenticeships can address long-term workforce gaps. Engage early with managers to ensure they understand the support apprentices need (myth-busting) and to build clear pastoral, educational, and supervisory structures.
Choose a training provider with strong communication and a proven track record in your sector. Most importantly, view apprenticeships as a strategic investment, not just education, but workforce transformation.
