St Elizabeth Hospice’s Apprenticeships scheme has continued its 100 per cent success rate with all four of their apprentices being offered permanent jobs at the local charity.
The hospice started running the apprenticeship scheme in July 2012 and since then has recruited four apprentices, with the fourth, Sean Buckner, recently completing his two year apprenticeship to become a maintenance technician.
St Elizabeth Hospice’s HR business partner, Christine Elmy, said: “Being part of the local business community is important for us and supporting young people to gain the skills and qualifications they need to get into work is a real priority for the whole community.
“We are really proud that we are able to contribute in a small way through our Apprenticeship Scheme and are extremely pleased that we have been able to offer all of our apprentices a permanent position here at the hospice.”
Whilst the first three apprenticeships lasted only a year, Mr Buckner’s was a two year skill-based apprenticeship at Suffolk New College, with the 21-year-old learning new skills in building maintenance, multi-trade repair and refurbishment in construction.
Andrew Bruce, facilities and health and safety manager at the hospice, added: “Sean has proved himself to be an asset in the provision of hospice care. His cheerful personality and can-do attitude are a great benefit to the facilities team.”
Along with Mr Buckner, former apprentices Jonathan Goldsmith, Darryl Frost and Megan Johnson are all permanent members of staff at the hospice as an information assistant, IT assistant and trainee fundraiser.
The hospice is now looking to continue their apprenticeship programme by recruiting a customer service apprentice within their retail department.
Apprentices employed by the Hospice are paid a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job – usually on a day-release basis, they also receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications.