Pioneering training programme a shining example
Date of release: 6 August 2024
An innovative in-house designed training programme for aspiring engineers has been hailed as a shining example by a national training provider.
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust has been awarded the MAKE UK Engineering Apprenticeships: Employer Kitemark accreditation, becoming the first NHS Trust in the UK to be recognised as a role model employer for engineering apprenticeships.
The Clinical Engineering apprentices at RWT learn as they earn while maintaining the Trust’s medical devices and equipment to the highest possible standards.
Sagreev Chahal, Professional and Technical Development Manager, Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering, said: “As a team we have worked incredibly hard to create the best apprenticeship scheme possible. There is currently a national shortage of Clinical Engineers so I wanted to develop a course to inspire others to join our profession.
“Gaining accreditation with the MAKE UK Engineering Apprenticeships: Employer Kitemark means that our apprenticeship training for our Clinical Engineers and our apprenticeship scheme itself has been recognised as being of best-in-class standard.
“The importance of this is that NHS staff, our partners and patients that come to our Trust can be confident that our devices have been maintained to the highest level by well trained and competent engineers.”
Sagreev developed the bespoke training package in 2022 and the team is now on its fourth intake of apprentices.
He added: “The training programme that we have developed for our Clinical Engineering apprentices is on par with the best providers in the UK and recognises us as the best in our field. The quality of our work is of paramount importance to us.
“Whether it is a thermometer, a ventilator, or an X-ray machine, we treat all technology with the same amount of respect. This in turn ensures that our department makes a significant contribution to enable the Trust to provide the best care possible for patients.
“The Kitemark recognises that our apprentices are happy and content with the experience that we are giving them and they see us as an excellent employer. Hopefully the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust gaining this Kitemark will inspire more Trusts to follow suit”.
Jonathan Grimes, 20, from Lichfield, went to Sixth Form at Aston University Engineering Academy before applying for an apprenticeship with RWT.
He said: “It was the best decision I made. I have felt really well supported and learnt lots from on the job training. It hasn’t been stressful at all and I have learnt so much more than I expected. I would really recommend an apprenticeship with the team as it is a brilliant starting point and I hope I can stay on after my apprenticeship has ended.”
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
