Swansea Bay Apprentice Academy celebrates 10 years of developing talent

PICTURED: The health board's Apprentice Academy is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

Swansea Bay University Health Board's Apprentice Academy is today (October 23) celebrating a decade of people, progress and partnerships.

Since its launch, the Apprentice Academy has played a key role in helping individuals gain recognised qualifications, develop new skills and progress their careers whilst continuing to make valuable contributions to patient care and support services across the organisation.

Over the past decade, apprenticeships have evolved from being seen primarily as a route for new recruits to becoming a powerful workforce development tool for existing staff. From healthcare support workers and administrators to managers and specialist practitioners, colleagues across the health board have benefited from apprenticeship programmes that support personal growth while addressing workforce needs.

The success of the Apprentice Academy reflects the health board’s commitment to developing its workforce and creating accessible learning opportunities for all staff.

Through partnership working with training providers, managers and service teams, the academy has supported hundreds of learners to achieve qualifications, build confidence and progress within their careers.

Many colleagues who began their journey as apprentices have since moved into senior roles, specialist positions or leadership opportunities, demonstrating the long-term impact apprenticeships can have on both individuals and services.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Apprentice Academy's work has been seeing staff develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to take the next step in their careers.

Former apprentice Emily Rogers has progressed to a managerial role within the South Wales Trauma and Spinal Network.

Emily said: “My apprenticeship helped me develop both personally and professionally, enhancing my communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, while also giving me a strong understanding of how healthcare organisations operate.

“The experience provided a solid foundation for my future career and encouraged me to continue learning and developing throughout my professional journey.

“Since completing my apprenticeship, I have progressed through a number of roles and am now working as a Programme Support Manager for the South Wales Trauma and Spinal Network. The skills, knowledge and confidence I gained as an apprentice played a significant role in helping me achieve this.”

Molly Pascoe secured a Band 3 role in Swansea Bay after completing her apprenticeship and is now part of the NHS Wales Performance and Improvement Urgent and Emergency Care team.

Molly said: “I joined the Apprentice Academy in 2016 and was motivated by the opportunity to gain practical experience while developing new skills and qualifications. At the time, the apprenticeship provided a valuable pathway into employment and allowed me to learn in a supportive environment while building confidence in the workplace.

“During my apprenticeship, I completed Levels 1, 2 and 3, which provided a strong foundation for my future career. I secured a Band 3 role following my apprenticeship, the experience encouraged me to continue my professional development and I later achieved my CIPD Level 5 qualification which has helped me to continue my career progression.

PICTURED: The Apprentice Academy has a dedicated timeline printed in the health board's Baglan headquarters.

“My apprenticeship opened doors I may not have considered and helped develop the confidence, knowledge and skills that have supported my career progression. My advice to current and future apprentices is to embrace every opportunity, be curious, and never stop learning. The experience you gain can provide the foundation for a rewarding and varied career.”

These stories are just a small example of the positive impact apprenticeships continue to have across Swansea Bay, helping colleagues fulfil their potential while strengthening services for patients and communities.

The success of the academy would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of the health board’s training provider partners.

Throughout the last 10 years, providers have worked closely with the health board to create high-quality learning experiences that meet both organisational and individual development needs.

Nicola Thornton-Scott, Assistant Principal at Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges, said: “It has been a privilege to be part of this journey from the very beginning, and we are proud of the contribution we have made to its growth and success. We look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting the development of future generations of apprentices across the health board.”

Paul Kift, Principal of Gower College Swansea, said: “At Gower College Swansea, we are proud of a partnership that supports staff development, champions Welsh language learning and creates opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to employment.

“Supporting over 867 apprentices across the organisation during the past 10 years has been a particular highlight. From responding together during Covid, to preparing the workforce of the future, our shared commitment remains clear – helping people fulfil their potential and strengthening the services that our communities rely on.”

These partnerships have enabled staff to access a wide range of programmes spanning clinical, business, operational and leadership disciplines.

As workforce challenges continue to evolve, apprenticeships remain an important part of the health board's approach to recruitment, retention and workforce development.

The Apprentice Academy continues to work with managers and departments to identify opportunities to recruit new talent through apprenticeship pathways; develop existing staff through funded qualifications; maximise the value of apprenticeship levy funding; support career progression and succession planning along with building skills that align with future workforce requirements.

Ruth Evans, Apprentice Academy Learning and Development Project Manager, added: “While the 10th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, it is also a chance to look forward.

“The academy remains committed to supporting colleagues, strengthening services and ensuring that apprenticeships continue to play a central role in workforce development across the health board.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we would like to thank every learner, manager, mentor and training provider who has contributed to the Academy's success over the last decade. Here's to the next 10 years.”