BTH celebrates impact of apprentices across the Trust

This week the Trust is marking National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) by recognising and celebrating the hard work and dedication of its apprentices.  

NAW is an opportunity to shine a light on the positive impact of apprenticeships.  

As part of a special feature, we are profiling some of our apprentices who were recognised at the recent Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Health and Social Care Apprenticeship Awards.  

Lee Monks, Physiotherapy Assistant

Lee was honoured to receive the Clinical Apprentice of the Year Award, which recognised an apprentice who demonstrates all the assets essential in order to thrive within their department.

What interested you in doing an apprenticeship?

“I started my career as a Band 2 Integrated Therapy Assistant in a previous trust and then progressed into a Band 3 Senior Therapy Assistant role. During this time, I developed a stronger interest in working more specifically within Physiotherapy. 

“I was fortunate enough to progress further into a Band 4 Physiotherapy Technical Instructor role here at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, and it was during this role that I first heard about the apprenticeship route. 

“Being slightly older and having personal commitments, the apprenticeship stood out to me as an ideal option because it allowed me to continue working while studying and still progress into a physiotherapy career in a structured and supportive way.”

Lee’s current goal is to successfully complete his apprenticeship and progress into a Band 5 Rotational Physiotherapist role. 

What advice would you give to someone considering starting an apprenticeship?

“I would strongly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering this route. It offers much more than academic learning, you also gain valuable hands-on clinical experience in the workplace, supported by a strong multidisciplinary team network. 

“You get the benefit of developing practical skills while also learning the theory through university, which helps bring everything together. 

“It’s a great way to learn while earning and can be especially helpful if you have commitments outside of work, as it provides a more accessible route into a healthcare career.   

“Overall, it gives you the best of both worlds, university learning and real work experience, and I would encourage anyone who is interested to go for it.” 

Joanna Hindle, Respiratory Service Manager

Joanna received the Perseverance Award. This category recognises an apprentice who has worked hard to achieve their expected standard, while overcoming difficult times or obstacles to learning.

Joanna recently completed her Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship Standard with a distinction grade.  

She is using the skills and knowledge developed during her apprenticeship to support her in her role and her future goals to progress in her career.  

What interested you in doing an apprenticeship?

“I would advise anybody considering an apprenticeship to go for it. I was nervous about embarking on my apprenticeship as I do not consider myself academic and it had been some time since I had worked in that capacity, however, despite challenges along the way, including the loss of my father, I am so proud of what I have achieved.  

“If I can do it, anybody can.”

Emma Jenkins, Physiotherapist Apprentice

Emma was given the Innovation Award which is awarded to an apprentice who has contributed an idea or action that has made a positive impact in the workplace, for a patient or work colleague.  

Emma was nominated for the award for her success in introducing and designing a live digital handover template for multi-disciplinary meetings which replaced a manual system. This has significantly enhanced patient care by ensuring timely actions and better coordination across the team.  

Before starting her apprenticeship, Emma had worked as a Therapy Instructor (TI) for four years and had always wanted to become a physiotherapist.  

Emma is currently placed within Orthopaedics and will complete an elective placement when her cohort qualifies in July 2026.  

What advice would you give to someone considering starting an apprenticeship?

“I would advise anyone passionate about their chosen career to pursue the apprenticeship route. I have felt supported along the way by the Trust and have experienced excellent opportunities to enhance my learning.” 

Emma added: “I also have a busy homelife, and while at times this has been a challenge, I have overcome these and feel proud to have managed the workload alongside studying, working and homelife.” 

Employer of the Year Award

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals was honoured to receive the Employer of the Year Award for ‘displaying a strong commitment to nurturing and supporting apprentices’.  

Mark Hayes’, BTH’s Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Lead, said: “I am delighted that after years of hard work and dedication by the Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Team, along with the support of colleagues who have embraced the apprenticeship programme, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised by its peers for its strong commitment to employing, nurturing and supporting apprentices across the organisation. 

“I’m pleased to be able to boast over 500 apprenticeship completions to date, with achievement and retention rates strong. Moreover, a considerable number of apprentices remain within the organisation upon completion.

“Over recent years, we have worked hard to champion apprenticeships at the Trust. This commitment to the programme has seen it evolve and diversify well beyond where it was only a few years ago. The Trust now has a comprehensive, multi-level, multi-professional offer, which supports the delivery of high-quality patient care on a daily basis. 

"A huge thank you to all those who have and continue to support apprenticeships at the Trust”. 

Last year, more than 27,000 people started an apprenticeship across the NHS in more than 350 careers.  

As we take the time to celebrate apprentices this week, we want to say thank you for their commitment and dedication to making a difference to patients.  

If you would like to find out more about doing an NHS apprenticeship visit: NHS apprenticeships | Health Careers.