Geraldine Thomas - Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust has embedded apprenticeships at the heart of its workforce planning since 2017, partnering with the University of Salford to tackle skills gaps across 52 subjects, with over half of all completers going on to earn a promotion. Head of Apprenticeships Geraldine Thomas credits the University's excellent service for Alder Hey's long-standing partnership. We spoke with Geraldine to find out how that partnership has helped transform staff development and drive lasting growth across the Trust.
We asked Geraldine...
How have apprenticeships supported workforce development, skills growth, or staff retention within your organisation?
Apprenticeships are supporting our workforce planning objectives; we have witnessed their value across many Divisions, helping to plug essential skills gaps. As part of our annual Impact Report, the data clearly proves that apprenticeships are supporting retention and growth; over half of all completers have gained a promotion.
What motivated your organisation to offer apprenticeships, and why did you choose the University of Salford as your training provider?
In 2017, as part of the apprenticeship reforms, we had the opportunity to invest in our staff and tackle skills gaps. To date, staff are studying across 52 subjects.
We chose to work with Salford University, not just because of their fantastic reputation, but also because the curriculum aligned with the needs of our staff and managers and offered uncommon subjects at the time. We have remained with Salford University because of the outcomes and the excellent service we receive.
What are the key benefits apprenticeships bring to your organisation?
Staff feel valued and that the Trust is investing in them for the long term; they plug skills gaps and raise productivity. Apprenticeships are diverse, and the people who take them are too.
Based on your experience, would you recommend apprenticeships and the University of Salford to other organisations?
We would have no problem recommending Salford University as a place to study. Our staff have had, and continue to have, a positive experience; the learner is very much at the centre of everything they do.
What advice would you give to organisations considering apprenticeships for the first time?
Give apprenticeships your full commitment, understand what is expected and be prepared to support your staff and know the benefits and impact apprenticeships can bring to your business.
