Call to consider a rewarding NHS career in East of England during National Apprenticeships Week
More than 27,000 people started an NHS apprenticeship across the country last year, with nearly 2,500 of those within the East of England - providing more opportunities for people to build rewarding careers in the NHS, whilst also boosting staffing levels in the region.
Phil Carver, regional director of workforce, training and education at the NHS in the East of England said: Apprenticeships offer an amazing, accessible route into many of the 350 NHS careers.
From frontline nurses or healthcare support workers to digital and analytical specialists, through to vital support functions such as HR or administration, there really is something for everyone.
Apprenticeships are not just for people joining the NHS for the first time. They also allow us to develop our staff, leading to careers in registered professions such as nursing and the allied health professions as well as leadership roles.
There are a range of opportunities at different levels, meaning no matter your current situation, there's a place for you. Whatever apprenticeship you choose, you'll be sure of a rewarding career and play your part in making a big difference to patient care in the East of England from the start.
Apprenticeships are a mix of on-the-job training and classroom learning, meaning you can earn while you learn. Apprentices usually spend four days on a work placement and one day at a training centre or college. They can take between one and five years to complete. Many NHS apprentices are also offered a permanent job at the end of their learning.
Amy Thompson started her podiatry apprenticeship in the NHS in 2024 at Norwich Community Hospital after finishing sixth form and is now in her second year.
Amy said: Within my last year at sixth form, I was unsure if university was the right choice for me. I wanted to progress in my professional development, and I believed that an apprenticeship would allow me to do this. I have always had a specific interest in science and healthcare so I knew the NHS would align with these interests. After researching apprenticeships within the NHS, I came across podiatry. I had never heard of this role and after learning about what the role entails, the team environment and success stories, I applied through the NHS website.
The apprenticeship route offered Amy the opportunity to 'earn while she learned', gaining knowledge, experience and a qualification all at the same time, and Amy says: The advantage of this apprenticeship is that you are working within an experienced team who are there to help you along the journey. This has allowed me to become more resilient and adaptable when facing new challenges and ensures I feel confident when it is my time to practice independently.
My advice to people is to be open to change. Before I researched different career pathways, I believed university was the only option for me. There are always opportunities out there, I found the one for me and taking the apprenticeship pathway is the best decision I have made.
Lewis McGuire is an apprentice finance assistant in corporate finance at NHS England. Through his apprenticeship he has already gained a level 3 AAT diploma and is about to start his level 4 AAT apprenticeship, which will last 2 years. Once he's completed this course, he will be an officially qualified accountant and plans to do a level 7 apprenticeship to become a chartered accountant.
Lewis said: The best thing about my job/apprenticeship is the feeling of maturity I have in working a 9-5 job for the first time. I am not treated any differently because of my age and position, making me feel like a valued member of the team. One of the other best things is that I get to work towards getting a diploma whilst also getting paid a full-time salary, unlike in university, where you have to take out a loan, and which puts you on the backfoot when finishing your course.
What I found most difficult was finding a balance between work, college and home life. You have to be efficient with your time management to get everything done in time and complete your work to a high standard. At the beginning of the apprenticeship, I underestimated the difficulty and failed my first exam, but I retook the exam and passed the second time. Now what gives me the most satisfaction is when I pass an exam, as I know I am one step closer to getting my next diploma.
National Apprenticeship Week is the biggest week in the apprenticeships and skills calendar and takes place from 9 to 15 February 2026. The week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships and skills to celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that they bring.
If you think the NHS could be the career for you, search 'NHS careers' or visit the NHS Health Careers website to find out more about the range of roles within the NHS and how to apply.