Alliance between South Devon College and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to continue for two years
An alliance between South Devon College and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, to offer seamless and supported progression from education into the local health and social care workforce, has proved so successful it’s being continued for another two years.
The aim of the partnership is for both organisations to work collaboratively to deliver a career ‘road-map’ providing clear career opportunities in clinical, support and enabling roles within the local health and social care sector.
“This alliance places South Devon College as the trust’s preferred training provider again, for the next two years” explains Maria Woodger, Assistant Principal at South Devon College.
“We will be designing and delivering curriculum programmes together, with NHS staff coming into college as honorary lecturers. There will also be increased work placements and apprenticeships, and this alliance will give those already working in the Trust, whether in a clinical or enabling role, the opportunity to upskill and progress in their chosen career.
“This is not only providing a ‘future-proof’ pipeline workforce, which is essential good for the local community, but is helping grow the talent that already exists within the Trust and keeping them local.”
24 year old Ben Clark from Torquay started his career in the trust after being made redundant from his electrician apprenticeship during the pandemic.
“I started to look around at what other opportunities were available specifically within the NHS and I started my career as a pharmacy assistant where I was responsible for delivering medications to the wards and ensuring they were always stocked.”
Despite it being a junior role, it taught Ben the importance of attention to detail, responsibility and why it’s important to build relationships with colleagues.
After three years in that job, he became an administrator for the cleaning and catering teams.
“This was a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone, learn new skills and gain insight into what it takes to become a manager. Taking on this role I was able to broaden my experience and diversify my skills. I was responsible for creating weekly rotas for 250 staff, working closely with operation managers and I developed time management, budgeting and analytical skills,” explained Ben.”
He then decided to pursue a structured route of growth and enrolled in a Chartered Management Institute Level 3 team leader apprenticeship through South Devon College.
“It was transformative as the apprenticeship provided both practical experience and theoretical knowledge I needed to develop as a leader. Through South Devon College I was able to gain in depth knowledge of leadership, communications strategies, and team dynamics and this course was instrumental in providing me with the tools needed to lead teams effectively.
"South Devon College apprenticeship programme not only helped me grow professionally but also equipped my organisation with a confident and capable leader who is better prepared to navigate the challenges ahead.”
Ben is now switchboard and telephony manager at Torbay Hospital responsible for the smooth running of the hospital switchboard.
“Becoming a chartered manager was a milestone in my career but it’s also a milestone that shows what apprenticeships can achieve. It’s made me a better leader. Leadership is not about giving orders but it’s about empowering others, fostering collaboration and ensuring we deliver the best care possible for our patients.”
The partnership also provides placement opportunities and apprenticeships for higher education and degree students studying on the College’s Higher Technical Qualifications – FdSc Assistant Practitioner, FdSc Nursing Associate approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council as well as the BSc Healthcare Science (audiology) approved by the Academy of Healthcare Science.
“Over the past 12 months, we have seen a 100% increase compared to the previous year in the number of Assistant Practitioners joining our apprenticeship programme as a result of our close partnership with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust,” explained Maria Woodger, Assistant Principal at South Devon College.
“These apprentices are placed in a range of settings across the Trust including podiatry, theatres, recovery, physiotherapy, and community-based, alongside a number of ward-based apprentices, supporting with stroke rehab and acute admissions.”
Bryony Eccles was working on the children’s ward at Torbay Hospital as a Healthcare Assistant but wanted to develop her career within the sector.
“I decided to take the plunge and take a step towards my lifelong ambition to become a paediatric nurse. With the amazing support from my colleagues and family, I secured a place on the Assistant Practitioner course at University Centre South Devon,” explained Bryony.
The apprenticeship programme consists of attending University one day a week and then the rest of the hours are work based on the Acute Children’s Ward at Torbay Hospital.
“I feel so lucky to have this opportunity and would definitely recommend the apprenticeship programme to others,” said Bryony.
Mum of three, Joanne Mapley, says going back to education in her 40s was the best decision of her life. Joanne was a support worker for the Torbay Reablement Team and is still there but now as a Trainee Assistant Practitioner.
“South Devon University Centre offers a unique experience as I can study locally to where I live, which is important as I have three children and would not have the time to travel far from home to study a degree.
“Initially I was worried about returning to studying as it has been years since I was in education, but the University Centre is so welcoming, the tutors are supportive and really believe in you. They are there any time to answer any issues you may have even at weekends.”
Joanne is keen to continue her education either with the BSc nursing degree or the physiotherapy / occupational therapy route.
“I never thought I could achieve something like this degree at my age, but here I am enjoying every moment.”
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive Joe Teape said: “As the area’s largest employer, we take our responsibility to support our communities to grow and thrive extremely seriously. I’m proud of our partnership with South Devon College, which is giving local people opportunities to learn closer to home, while helping us to identify talent to grow our future workforce.”
