Apprenticeship Employer- Meet Jen McCartney from Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals

Jen McCartney works as a Workforce Improvement Lead for Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals (WHTH). Jen is the manager of Nia Millington, current Level 3 Business Administration apprentice, and has been supporting her throughout her course. Here Jen tells us how Nia has been getting on and shares her views on apprenticeships! Can you describe your organisation and job role? I have worked at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals (WHTH) for 3 years as the Workforce Improvement Lead as part of the corporate nursing team. My role covers recruitment and retention of our nursing and support staff and also supports the ACE Ward Accreditation Programme which works to ensure high quality, safe and compassionate care services across the organisation. Can you describe what Nia has learned/the experience she has gained from the apprenticeship? Since signing up to the apprenticeship scheme with us here at WHTH Nia has learned so much in terms of her skillset, knowledge of how things run in the hospital and also in her own confidence and ability to apply the knowledge she has gained. How would you describe Nia‚ contribution to the workplace? Nia has gone from strength to strength. It is phenomenal how fast Nia picks up new skills and applies them to day to day working life. Nia has not only enhanced the IT and administrative skills required for her role but has learned how systems and processes work within the hospital and related that knowledge back to her role. Since completing her apprenticeship Nia was offered a permanent position her with us at WHTH and has committed to completing her Level 3 NVQ in Business and Administration. Nia is a well valued member of the team. How have you/your organisation supported Nia? It is really important to get the balance right between study and on the job learning. Here at WHTH we are committed to supporting all apprentices to achieve their qualification and Nia was no different. Nia had regular meetings with her tutor, some of which I attended and supported.Nia and I have regular 1:1‚ to review progress from the week previous and to go through anything she is unsure of. These 1:1‚ have been invaluable in getting to know Nia and adapting learning styles to suit. It also gives the opportunity to explain the reasons we carry out certain tasks to empower Nia to understand why she is doing what she is doing and how it contributes to the running of the wider organisation. What is your view on apprenticeships in general- do you think they benefit your organisation? Apprenticeships are a great way to earn, learn and gain experience at the same time. I have had such a rewarding and positive experience supporting Nia and feel privileged to continue to work with her as she progresses in her career. What would you advise a student looking to secure an apprenticeship with your organisation? I would say ‚ÄòGo for it!‚Äô Staff members within the Trust hold a great deal of knowledge and expertise and are dedicated to supporting apprentices as they take their first step in their career. They are the workforce of the future. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you to Warrington & Vale Royal College for all your support. Nia's tutor Jill Murphy is exceptional and I look forward to continuing to work with her as Nia progresses through her next NVQ. A big thank you to Jen for sharing her experience of supporting Nia throughout her apprenticeship! To find out more about Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals (WHTH), click here. Click here to find out more about Warrington & Vale Royal College's Business Administration apprenticeship.