Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust have been highlighting the impact of apprenticeships and showcasing how their joint approach is opening doors to rewarding NHS careers for local people across the Black Country.
Marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026, the Careers and Employability Team working across both Trusts has been out in communities championing opportunities, supporting apprentices and developing partnerships with schools, colleges and universities. Working collaboratively, the two organisations are creating clear, accessible pathways into employment, career progression and professional development, both for those taking their first step into work and those wanting to progress their careers.
The impact of this partnership is already evident with more than 370 people starting apprenticeships, gaining recognised qualifications, confidence and long-term career opportunities within the NHS in 2025 alone.
Apprenticeships across the two Trusts span Levels 2 through to Level 6 and include clinical, administrative and corporate roles. These programmes allow individuals to earn while they learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications and develop practical skills.
Through growing partnerships with local colleges, students studying T-Level Health qualifications are gaining vital industry placements that combine classroom learning with real-world experience. Since 2025, more than 70 students have completed placements across healthcare settings, achieving their Level 3 T-Level in Health with support from placement officers, workplace coaches and Nurse Education teams.
Luke Ruston began his career as a Band 2 Healthcare Assistant at Rowley Regis Hospital. After successfully completing his Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship, he is now preparing to progress further by completing Functional Skills English Level 2, enabling him to pursue a higher-level apprenticeship and continue advancing his career.
Malika Khalil, currently completing an administrative apprenticeship supporting Nurse Management within the Surgery Department, has already experienced significant personal and professional growth.
She said, “I appreciate many things about my role, especially connecting with different individuals every day, they are the reason for my confidence boost. Only four months into my NHS apprenticeship, and I have developed my communication, problem-solving, data inputting and teamwork skills.”
Emma Dalton, Group Head of Careers and Employability said:
“By working together across our Trusts, we are expanding opportunities and ensuring people from our communities can access rewarding NHS careers. Apprenticeships enable individuals to earn while they learn, gain recognised qualifications and build a future in healthcare, while helping us grow the skilled workforce our communities depend on.”
Both Trusts are committed to widening access to NHS careers and supporting workforce development through apprenticeships. Programmes are delivered both in-house and in partnership with colleges, training providers and universities, with additional support available for English and maths functional skills. Apprentices benefit from protected study time within contracted hours and clear progression routes, with no cost to the employee or their department.
For people not currently in work, employability programmes delivered through The Learning Works provide tailored support including CV writing, interview preparation and work-readiness training.
Anyone interested in exploring apprenticeship or employability opportunities can contact the team at swbh.apprenticeship@nhs.net.