Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and Wirral Met College have launched a campaign to financially support local employers with recruitment and boost apprenticeship starts.
As part of the campaign, the trust will transfer part of its unused apprenticeship levy to pay for the training and assessment of apprentices at SMEs across Wirral and the wider Liverpool city region.
The trust already invests heavily in apprenticeships to support the recruitment and development of its employees, and this will continue as usual, with apprentice recruitment days planned across the coming months.
To participate, employers must confirm they will agree that the ethics of their business are aligned to Wirral University Teaching Hospital’s values and behaviours.
Employers inside and outside the trust’s existing supply chain, from laboratories and dental practices to sports and fitness clubs and restaurants, are invited to take part.
Wirral University Teaching Hospital is aiming to create 100 apprentice roles locally within 100 working days.
Individual employees and those looking to progress their careers, change career path or return to the workplace will be able to take advantage of the 100 apprenticeship opportunities that will be developed during the campaign.
To formally launch the campaign, Wirral Met principal Sue Higginson was joined by Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust chief executive Janelle Holmes.
Janelle said of the scheme: “We are excited to be working alongside Wirral Met College on this innovative scheme that will not only help individuals who have struggled to access career development, but also support our local businesses to grow and develop.
“We believe that this scheme will have a positive impact on the community, and we encourage both employers and individuals to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities on offer.”
Higginson said: “Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) is a valued strategic partner and we have worked with their staff team for many years, to develop and deliver education and training programmes that have supported the recruitment of new staff and the continuous professional development of their existing workforce.
“This is a generous and innovative initiative that will extend such opportunities to small to medium sized employers, providing work opportunities for 100 local people. We are delighted to work with WUTH to make this happen.”
