A pioneering partnership between the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and HTP Apprenticeship College has won a prestigious national award. The Isle of Wight NHS Trust Careers for Young People programme won the Workforce Team of the Year category at the recent Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2023. On Tuesday 21st November, Nursing Times brought together over 700 professionals from across the health and care community at the Hilton London Metropole to highlight nursing’s workforce achievements. The Isle of Wight entry beat opposition from across the UK to win the coveted Workforce Team of the Year award, which spotlights a new Apprenticeship programme delivered in partnership between HTP and Isle of Wight NHS Trust. In its 1st year the scheme saw 11 young Islanders progress to full-time Apprenticeships and real jobs within the NHS. A 2nd cohort of 15 young people joined the NHS on Traineeships in September. The judging panel praised the island’s NHS Apprenticeship programme for its innovation and future-thinking approach. The judges commented:
“It is a fantastic example of social value recruitment and development, with a lasting impact in the local community and clear links with the social determinants of health. It speaks to education reform as well as transformation within the healthcare workforce. Our winner is an example of innovative change that paves the way for the workforce of the future.”
Nicola Longson, Isle of Wight NHS Trust Director of Operations Community, has said:
“We are so proud to have been recognised for this achievement. By working together with HTP we have been able to develop a fantastic programme that will really support young people to kick start their career within the NHS, and on the Isle of Wight.”
Rachael Randall, CEO of HTP Apprenticeship College, said:
“It’s a thrill to win this award, for both the teams at the NHS and HTP, but it’s also an amazing moment for our young people. This programme is a great success story for the Isle of Wight, showcasing investment in training, leading to real jobs for school leavers here on the island. Our second cohort of learners will progress to Apprenticeships in a few months and we’re already recruiting for September 2024.”
