‘Fantastic partnership’ leading to development of NHS staff

Vicky Kearney, apprenticeship lead at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, recently commended the ‘fantastic partnership’ the Trust has with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). This relationship has grown through a series of successful Degree Apprenticeships undertaken by their staff.

Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust provides healthcare to 258,000 people across Southport, Formby and West Lancashire. They also employ over 3,000 members of staff

Vicky Kearney highlighted the importance of Degree Apprenticeships to the Trust, stating: ‘’We have a long-term commitment to staff development, apprenticeships are a key part of this. The introduction of the apprenticeship levy brought about new opportunities which we have embraced, as Degree Apprenticeships are a great way to upskill current staff and to attract new recruits to the organisation. It is clear to see that the appetite is there amongst our staff for these development opportunities.’’

Degree Apprenticeships have become a huge part of the Trust’s ongoing strategy, they currently have employees studying a wide range of courses including: Healthcare, Nursing Associate, Registered Nurse, Senior Leader and Operating Department Practitioner. Vicky reserved particular praise for the way UCLan supported the Trust with the recently added Registered Nurse course, saying: ‘’The partnership with UCLan has been fantastic, allowing us to implement a new apprenticeship (Registered Nurse) as smoothly as possible. The constant line of communication made the process of using a new apprenticeship very easy, overall, the support was amazing.’’

Vicky clarified why Southport and Ormskirk Trust initially chose to work with UCLan, commenting: ‘’The University has a great reputation in the North West for apprenticeships. They were also an early adopter and had a variety of courses to choose from, which was perfect for us.’’

Mike Wilson, who is currently a learner on the Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship, spoke about his experience, adding: "The Trust has helped me to further my career, I do not believe I would have been able to, without the apprenticeship schemes. Vicky has been instrumental in offering advice, information and opportunities for many who may have not been given the chance to improve their skills in the workplace.

"The communication and support I have received from the University and the Trust, who work side by side, has been fantastic. The support of my colleagues to help teach me new skills, alongside the knowledge of my tutors has made the apprenticeships enjoyable. The work in University can be challenging, but tutors are available outside of working hours to offer advice and support.

"I recommend an apprenticeship at UCLan, as the facilities are incredible and the teamwork between the Trust and the University is fantastic.’’

Enjoyed this? Read more from University of Lancashire

Latest news

1

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders Ant and Dec and Amy and Chris Cheadle

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders

18 Jul 2025

2

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch Dave Scholes and Malcolm Ireland

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch

18 Jul 2025

3

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed Flying Combat Air Demonstrator

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed

17 Jul 2025

4

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company The Printed Cup Company

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company

17 Jul 2025

5

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International Joe Diston

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International

17 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

Burnley FC , Burnley, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin