This week is National Apprenticeship Week and Bradford District Care Trust is calling on other organisations to follow its lead by employing more of them.

The mental health and learning disabilities provider is currently helping a record 44 people combine work with learning.

Director of human resources at the Care Trust, Sandra Knight, said: “We have been providing apprenticeships for all ages and abilities for five years and they are proving beneficial to the Trust.

“Apprenticeships are a great way to gain high-quality recruits. Work-based learning helps employees to increase their skills while gaining qualifications.

“I encourage other organisations to follow our lead. Apprenticeships add depth and diversity, rejuvenate workforces and give local people a chance in employment.”

Alison Ackew, Apprenticeship Lead at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “The Strategic Health Authority commend Bradford District Care Trust for wholeheartedly embracing the challenge to increase the numbers of apprenticeships in the NHS.” Wanda Dorenski-Holmes was one of the apprentices who has seen her life transformed through her time at the Trust.

Wanda said: “I left school with no qualifications. I couldn’t use a computer and I had never experienced the internet. I wasn’t very articulate.

“It’s never too late to learn new skills. Whatever age and from whatever background, with the right support and determination to develop, you can do.”

Wanda completed NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3 in health and social Care, which has helped her in her post as senior instructor at New Ridge, a day service provider for people with learning disabilities.

To find out more about jobs at Bradford District Care Trust and the range of apprenticeships available visit www.jobs.nhs.uk