Apprenticeship Week 2025
From 10 to 16 February it's National Apprenticeship Week with ‘Skills for Life’ as the theme. At the ICS, we are proud to support apprenticeships across the health and care sector in both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Apprenticeships can create the foundations for a rewarding career, whilst supporting businesses to develop a talented workforce. Apprentices can both gain experience and a living wage whilst working towards their chosen qualification, making an apprenticeship appealing to those looking to either kickstart or further expand their career.
Abby, Business Support Apprentice at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB, part of the ICS is a great example of taking on an apprenticeship in the NHS: "I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far, I struggled with the school system but found after getting a job that I thrived in a working role where I could see the direct impact that I had on customers. It seemed obvious that an apprenticeship was the perfect choice and means I’m better equipped for future opportunities.
Abby added: “Right from the start, everyone has been so supportive and genuinely wants to see us do well, it’s nice being able to be a part of an organisation that can reach and help so many people!”
Lauren Wood, Degree Apprentice Physiotherapist (Rotational) at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust said: “I am a final year apprentice at NWAFT and have worked for the trust since 2017. I have thoroughly enjoyed this educational journey and feel excited for my future career progression upon completion in May this year. I have had the opportunity to work with a number of specialists throughout my journey and am very thankful for the support and education provided whether this has been on placement or on rotation. Whilst having a very young family this approach to study has been beneficial in many ways and would certainly suggest this educational route for many others in a similar position to myself.”
Iona, Finance Apprentice at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB, explains: "From starting my Level 3 Apprenticeship I have enjoyed every minute, I have gained experience and skills from workshops, skills days and through the apprenticeship training provider.
"The NHS can seem quite overwhelming at first, but the HFMA has fantastic resources to fast track your knowledge of the NHS. I couldn't recommend the scheme enough and have been given challenging new opportunities which helped me not only technically but also on the soft skills side with interacting with other teams within the ICB as well as externally with suppliers and building positive work relationships.”
Sarah Hughes, Assistant Practitioner, Level 5, (working towards the Occupational Therapy Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship) at Cambridge University Hospitals said: “I chose to complete the apprenticeship at Cambridge University Hospitals as I was already working here as a Band 4 Technical Instructor within the Occupational Therapy Team. I feel the apprenticeship journey of achieving a degree works for me as I enjoy working alongside learning.
“I am a person who worked for a completely different company for 17 years before moving to CUH with no previous NHS experience. I have been encouraged and supported along my journey even though I initially thought I was “too old”. I have realised you are never too old to change career and undertake something new.”
Jenny, Marketing Assistant Apprentice at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB, added: "My time at the ICS has been split over two apprenticeships, and I couldn't recommend an apprenticeship in the health and care sector more! It's been a really rewarding process, being able to gain work experience and expand on my knowledge as I continue to learn."
Bryony, who was an Improvement Practitioner Apprentice, and now a Health and Care Academy Co-ordinator at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB, said: “Completing an improvement practitioner apprenticeship has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally and has equipped me with the knowledge and tools to identify inefficiencies, make data-informed decisions, streamline processes, and make meaningful change in my workplace. By applying what I learned, I have been able to continue to develop and contribute to continuous improvement in my organisation.”
If you are thinking about a career in health and social care, an apprenticeship could be a great fit for you. Visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/browse-by-interests to find out more about apprenticeships in health and care.