THE ‘invaluable contribution’ of apprentices is being recognised by a mental health trust who are celebrating key successes in the recruitment and development of apprentice workers.

Following a workforce investment of just over £1m, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCft) have almost doubled the national apprentice target of 2.3%, with 4.2% of their staff enrolled on apprenticeships.

Speaking of the success, Robert Cragg, Chief People Officer said: “Firstly I would like to recognise the invaluable contribution of the work undertaken by our health, social care and administrative apprentices throughout the trust each day.

"We are extremely proud of their development and it is really satisfying to be part of their career journey as they progress and we hope they remain part of the LSCft family, which we know the vast majority are continuing to do.

“We really see the value in recruiting apprentices and have an extensive range of opportunities available. What’s more, our apprentices are showing that you can still receive qualifications and get high-quality training and development for those who don’t feel that a traditional educational setting is for them.”

The success follows recent results at the North West Health and Social Care Apprentice Awards, where Rachel Carruthers, an Assistant Practitioner Apprentice, won the Rising Star and Apprentice of the Year, as well as Trainee Nursing Associate Apprentice, Umar Zaka, who was highly commended in the Apprentice of the Year and Clinical Apprentice of the Year categories.