An NHS Lanarkshire apprentice who wants to become a nurse is among a group of young people who secured full-time posts with the health board.

NHS Lanarkshire recently held an event to celebrate the achievements and hard work of their Modern Apprenticeship Programme apprentices.

Melissa Smillie, 23, worked with the Health Visiting Team at the Holdsworth Centre in Wishaw and spent a day with the phlebotomy team learning about wound care and sutures.

She now holds a full-time post as a clinical support worker in the accident and emergency department at University Hospital Wishaw.

(Image: NHS Lanarkshire)

She said: “Doing the modern apprenticeship with NHS Lanarkshire has been really beneficial and opened a lot of doors for me.

“I want to become a nurse and have been encouraged to pursue this for my future.

“The staff I have worked with have been very supportive and helpful and I would recommend any young person wanting experience and the chance of a career with the NHS to apply for one of the apprenticeships with NHS Lanarkshire.”

 

(Image: NHS Lanarkshire)

Lorraine Scott, HR Business Partner - Employability, said the apprenticeship programme is "a great way" for 16 to 24-year-olds to gain real-life experience while working with the health board and pursuing college-level qualifications.

She said: “Completing our programme gives young people the skills and experience which will help them to progress and succeed within their career along with gaining recognised qualifications.

“We provide a lot of support on our modern apprentices throughout their journey, with Mentors and an Employability team to help them with anything they need, alongside the support they receive in the department of their placement.

“This year has been a year of challenges and triumphs. Our healthcare system continues to face unprecedented trials, and it is in these times of adversity that the true spirit of our team shines through.

“Our apprentices have not only risen to these challenges but have also shown extraordinary resilience, adaptability, and a passion for learning that has inspired us all.”

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Jack Dickson, who works with the eHealth team at Kirklands and hopes to secure a position as a digital engineer, said: “I have really enjoyed my time working with eHealth team and would like to stay with NHS Lanarkshire.

“Everyone I have worked with, including my immediate manager, Lyle, have been very helpful and supportive and treated me like one of the team.

“The opportunity to learn and build your knowledge with the NHS is one of the best apprenticeships you can take and I would encourage young people to think about it for their future.”