Hospitals in Dorset are on the lookout for apprentices with a creative new scheme. 

Dorset HealthCare Trust has launched a video showcasing medical apprentices at work, with the hope of encouraging more people to choose a career in their local NHS services. 

The four-minute film promotes the benefits of becoming an apprentice at the Trust and highlights the opportunities available to new recruits. 

It features current apprentices talking about why they chose to ‘learn on the job’ in fields such as admin, catering and communications, as well as in clinical roles within the trust’s hospitals or community based teams.

Emma Walsh, 21, from Corfe Mullen, joined Dorset HealthCare in October 2014 as a nursing and quality apprentice, and has gone on to become a medical secretary.

She said: “The Dorset HealthCare apprenticeship scheme has provided me with the necessary skills and experience to help me achieve a higher-level role at the Trust. I got the chance to work directly with a range of staff members who took the time to teach me new things and pass on their knowledge, which has really benefitted me.”

Matthew Cheetham, 19, from Poole, took up a role as a Patient Experience and Complaints Team apprentice in November.

He said: “The opportunity of learning on the job in a supportive environment is incredibly useful for my future, and the life skills I have learnt so far will be invaluable.”

The video will be shown at local schools, colleges and on social media, in a bid to attract more people into apprenticeship roles at the Trust. 

Chief Executive Ron Shields said: “We are committed to delivering great services to local people. We have fabulous staff, of all ages, already working here who can develop new skills and qualifications through an apprenticeship.”

Apprenticeships vary from 12 months to 48 months depending on the job role.

The video is available to watch online at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk or on the Trust’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/DorsetHealthCare.