A pioneering partnership between the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and HTP Apprenticeship College has won a prestigious national award. The Isle of Wight NHS Trust Careers for Young People programme won the Workforce Team of the Year category at the recent Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2023.
On Tuesday 21st November, Nursing Times brought together over 700 professionals from across the health and care community at the Hilton London Metropole to highlight nursing’s workforce achievements.
Beat off stiff competition
The Isle of Wight entry beat opposition from across the UK to win the coveted Workforce Team of the Year award, which spotlights a new Apprenticeship programme delivered in partnership between HTP and Isle of Wight NHS Trust.
In its first year the scheme saw 11 young Islanders progress to full time Apprenticeships and real jobs within the NHS. A second cohort of 15 young people joined the NHS on Traineeships in September,
Longson: We are so proud to have been recognised
Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Director of Operations Community, Nicola Longson said,
“We are so proud to have been recognised for this achievement.
“By working together with HTP we have been able to develop a fantastic programme that will really support young people to kick start their career within the NHS, and on the Isle of Wight.”
Awards in sixth year
Now in their sixth year, the Nursing Times Workforce Awards are an annual celebration of the nurses, midwives and employers making a real difference in key areas such as staff recruitment, retention, wellbeing and inclusion.
The judging panel praised the Island’s NHS Apprenticeship programme for its innovation and future-thinking approach.
“A lasting impact in the local community”
The judges commented,
“It is a fantastic example of social value recruitment and development, with a lasting impact in the local community and clear links with the social determinants of health. It speaks to education reform as well as transformation within the healthcare workforce. Our winner is an example of innovative change that paves the way for the workforce of the future.”
Randall: A great success story for the Isle of Wight
HTP Apprenticeship College’s CEO Rachael Randall said,
“It’s a thrill to win this award, for both the teams at the NHS and HTP, but it’s also an amazing moment for our young people.
“This programme is a great success story for the Isle of Wight, showcasing investment in training, leading to real jobs for school leavers here on the Island.
“Our second cohort of learners will progress to Apprenticeships in a few months and we’re already recruiting for September 2024.”
Recognising those going the extra mile
The Isle of Wight team collected their award at a glittering awards ceremony where the winners of 17 categories were revealed, covering individuals, teams and organisations. There were deserving winners from organisations across the UK.
The Nursing Times Workforce Awards recognises those going the extra mile when trying to attract nursing staff and, just as importantly, celebrates efforts to retain staff.
Ford: Brilliant work is being carried out by nursing staff
Editor of Nursing Times and the host of the awards, Steve Ford said,
“I want to congratulate all the winners across our 17 categories at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2023, now in their sixth year.
“Brilliant work is being carried out by nursing staff, despite what continue to be incredibly tough times for health and social care. Enduring workforce pressures and the legacy of the pandemic are just two of the major issues affecting the profession.
“Once again, we have shone a light on those organisations and individuals that go the extra mile when trying to attract new nursing staff and, just as importantly, celebrated efforts to retain staff.”
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
