Staff & Recruitment

Annie Kiloh is in the fourth year of her Engineering Apprenticeship working as part of the Medical Physics Team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The team consists of 110 highly trained technologists who work together to ensure the equipment is accurate, safe to use and reliable. Technologists not only look after equipment in hospitals but also in health centres and in patient’s homes. This includes the renal home dialysis service plus the adult and paediatric home ventilation services.

She loved fixing things as a youngster, and shows how that passion has grew into helping her find her dream job.

She said: “I have always loved fixing things; even when I was a wee girl. My dad has a joinery company and I was always following him around and picking things up. If there’s a piece of IKEA furniture to be assembled, I’m your girl!

Working in Medical Physics is so varied and I’m learning new things all the time. “In my lab there are three fully trained clinical engineers, so I’m always out with one of them learning how to fix a new piece of kit.

In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Annie and her team manage over 50,000 individual pieces of equipment, with items worth around £200 million in total.

The team consists of 110 highly trained technologists who work together to ensure the equipment is accurate, safe to use and reliable. Technologists not only look after equipment in hospitals but also in health centres and in patient’s homes. This includes the renal home dialysis service plus the adult and paediatric home ventilation services.

Annie goes on to explain that this encompasses over 600 types of equipment, which was all the more important amid the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “There are over 600 different types of medical equipment that the team look after. The most common type of equipment is a CPAP unit, which pumps air through a mask people wear at night.

“Due to the variety of equipment no two days are the same and I get a lot of satisfaction from my job, knowing we are a vital part of the hospital team.

I decided to take on an apprenticeship as a Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician as it would grant me the opportunity to pursue a career in which I did not have the confidence to undertake at an earlier stage in life.

Working within a highly skilled multidisciplinary team has allowed me to build up my confidence, develop my skill set, and successfully achieve the goals, and standards that will allow me to become a Pharmacy Technician registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

The thing I like most about my job is being able to learn and study while gaining real life experience. Initially, I had reservations about applying for a modern apprenticeship as I thought that I would be an older candidate.

If I had to give one piece of advice to someone who is maybe in the same position and is thinking of applying; it would be that if you are driven, passionate and committed then it is a career choice that you won’t regret

My Name is Craig Monteith and I am a Renal Technician and I was awarded Modern Apprentice of the Year in 2017.

I joined the NHS from school to undertake an Engineering Apprenticeship in Medical Physics specialising in Renal Dialysis.

My guidance teacher at school suggested this apprenticeship to me.  It seemed a really good opportunity and appealed to me far more than the other companies that also offer engineering apprenticeships. I liked the idea of helping people rather than working for the private sector.

In my current role I get to work across a range of Hospital sites including the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Royal Hospital for Children.

I enjoy having a vital role in the care of our patients. I also enjoy changing the major parts on equipment and seeing how components work.  I’m a problem solver so it’s really rewarding for me to get to the bottom of a difficult fault and getting a dialysis machine back in operation for our patient.

An Apprenticeship in the NHS is a really supportive environment. My apprenticeship equipped me with the necessary skills to begin my career in Renal from an early age. Having my foot in the door early has really helped me now as I have a broad understanding of Renal Dialysis. I changed which site I work at in order to get a promotion and this came with added responsibility and new challenges which have further helped my learning.

I see my future working in Renal Dialysis and I will be going for a Band 6 post in my department soon. Sometime in the future I am considering trying to work in Renal dialysis in other countries.

The NHS is a great company to work for and the modern apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic opportunity to get in early and accelerate your career path. 

My name is Daniel Martin and I joined NHSGGC in 2012 as a Multi Skilled Engineering Technician Apprentice.

I am now an Estates Co-ordinating supervisor based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

I have always wanted to be a tradesman, I enjoyed being on the tools and completing hands on complex tasks. I initially started my apprenticeship as an electrician however the opportunity came up to train as a multi skilled technician. 

My apprenticeship allowed me to gain valuable knowledge on the systems at the QEUH and this was only furthered when I was time served. This has allowed me to go into supervising.

Before my apprenticeship I didn’t know how much I’d be able to undertake after completing the apprenticeship. The apprenticeship opened my eyes to a lot of new systems and policies to do with healthcare.

I really enjoy my job and every day is different.

My typical day as a supervisor is very busy dealing with multiple trades and issues throughout the day. I deal with multiple complex systems on a daily basis such as HVAC, medical gas pipeline systems, nurse call systems, fire alarm systems, domestic water systems, dual fuel systems and KNX/dali systems to name a few.

Our workload can be very varied, we can be dealing with leaks on the domestic water systems, heating issues, joinery work requests, electrical work and various plumbing tasks.

 I get great satisfaction from knowing that by doing my job I am making a difference in the hospital by completing upgrades and repairs. Knowing that the work we do as a department keeps the hospital running. Without the estates department the other departments wouldn’t be able to operate daily.

The NHS is a great place to work.  I have worked with the NHS  since I was 16 and I don’t see myself ever leaving. My plan is to progress further into estates management, hopefully becoming a estates manager in the next few years.

I really enjoy my job and every day is different. 

My name is Elaine McCready and I am a Clerical Officer/Receptionist at Maryhill Health Centre. I was awarded Modern Apprentice of the year in 2018.

I started with the NHS as an Business and Administration Modern Apprentice and gained an SVQ2 in Business and Administration. Additionally, I also attended optional college classes (Medical Reception and Records, GP Medical Admin and IT in Business: Spreadsheets), and in doing so, gained three additional SQA qualifications.

I was interested in a career in Administration within the NHS but did not have previous administration experience. I liked the opportunity to both learn and work full-time. The apprenticeship scheme offered on-the-job experience which was invaluable but also allowed time to attend college to complete Business and Administration classes which was a great opportunity.

Following my apprenticeship, I was delighted to be offered a permanent position within my department. As I work on a busy reception desk, a big part of my job is interacting with patients and the public. In a health care environment, you get to know them and it is rewarding to be part of their patient journey. I love my job and I also have a fantastic and supportive team to work with which makes it so enjoyable.

My favourite part of my job is knowing you have helped someone on their patient journey to having the most positive experience that they can within the NHS. Often reception staff are the first person a patient will meet and I feel it is so important to get this stage correct. I strongly believe that everyone in the NHS has a role to play in patient care, no matter how big or small. To know you have helped someone to the best of your ability and made their patient journey as seamless as possible, gives me great job satisfaction.

It has been a privilege to have completed an apprenticeship and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and support given to me throughout. After completion of my Modern Apprenticeship, I have had the opportunity to continue to develop my skills and knowledge and I have since provided administrative cover for other sites which has gained me additional experience.

I have had the opportunity to learn-in-depth knowledge about different systems, services, legislation and processes as part of my apprenticeship. Through logging my learning, completing reports and attending college, I have gained a clear understanding of the different aspects of my role and what is expected of me. 

When I started my apprenticeship in 2017 I unaware of the apprenticeship programme and the opportunities offered through this scheme. I also did not realise apprenticeships were offered for such a wide variety of roles within the NHS. I understand now there is much greater awareness of the apprenticeship scheme through advertising and social media channels which will be beneficial to future candidates.

I would say to anyone considering an apprenticeships to go for it! It has offered an entry into the NHS and I’m looking forward to long and rewarding career working in administration within the NHS.

I had fantastic support from my assessor and colleagues throughout. The training provided by both the college and the NHS has greatly helped me in my learning and I can apply this in my current post and continue developing my skills and knowledge as I progress. I was welcomed by everyone within the team and I would strongly recommend an apprenticeship with the NHS to future candidates.

My name is Ellis Pollock and I joined the NHS in 2017 as an Apprentice Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Support Worker.

I am now an Allied Health Professions Assistant practitioner and based at the Lakefield Unit, Inverclyde Royal Hospital

On a typical day I will work with both the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Staff. Being based on the ward means that we spend a lot of time with other health professionals such as nurses/nursing support workers, Doctors, Social Workers, In-reach teams and many more. By working with the Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) we are able to set goals for patients and work as a team to help facilitate a safe discharge for our patients. Due to the current Pandemic we have been limited with social interaction between patients due to safety measures that have been in place.

I enjoy working with patients, listening to all their life stories and working within a team that is full of fun

When I applied for the PT/OT Support Worker apprenticeship I was only 16 and had an interest in working in the NHS. I didn’t want to go straight to University from school as I wasn’t fully committed to knowing what I wanted to do, and the last thing that I wanted to do was to get a degree and then not be interested. I had an interest in both Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy however didn’t realise how much both disciplines worked together. I thought that studying whilst working was the perfect opportunity for me to see if I enjoyed working in the healthcare setting.

I hope that in the future I will be able to complete my degree in either Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy. I am still indecisive about which route I want to go down as I love working between both disciplines and that’s what makes it a hard decision. Ideally I would love to be able to continue working within my current role and complete my degree at the same time.  Hopefully I can do that in the near future.

My apprenticeship has helped me in many ways, I have grown in confidence, met and worked with loads of different people and have gained a lot of experience over the last 4 and a half years. Hopefully having this experience will help me progress my career in the future. I wish that prior to starting my apprenticeship I appreciated how great the NHS actually is.

Having being only 16 at the time I can only imagine that I took the NHS for granted and didn’t understand how much time and effort staff put in to their jobs. I didn’t realise how many different jobs there were just to keep the NHS running at a high standard.

I found that completing my apprenticeship pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to progress in ways that I never thought I would. I was able to complete my course earlier than I was supposed to thanks to the support from my colleagues and college mentor. 

The advice that I would give to someone who was thinking of applying for one of these apprenticeships would be, go for it! Step out of your comfort zone, you have nothing to lose. With some hard graft and an open mind you can get anywhere that you want to be. You will be supported by not only your colleagues but your college mentors, everyone wants you to do well and it gives you the perfect opportunity of seeing whether you actually enjoy the job.

I decided to apply for an apprenticeship in Joinery after coming across the opportunity online. The information pack received at the very beginning of the process was extremely helpful and nothing like any other interview process I had had in the past. It really helped to give me a good insight of what it would be like to work for the NHS.

I have always been one to enjoy helping others and like to feel like I am making a difference. The chance to help in a clinical environment to aid in the security and wellbeing/comfort of the patients was a big draw for me. As well as being able to support staff members to allow them to do their job with as little issue as possible.

This apprenticeship has given me the chance gain a career in Joinery. Woodworking has always been a passion of mine so having the qualifications to back that is very important to me.

If I had to give advice to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship with NHS GGC it would be, read the candidate information pack, it really was very helpful for myself to make the decision to apply. If you are someone who likes working with and helping people then go for it.

I decided to apply for a Business & Administration apprenticeship in the estates department when I left university after deciding it wasn’t for me as I wasn’t keen on the style of learning. I felt that constant studying and attending classes wasn’t preparing me for the world of working which is what I was eager to get involved in. Taking on this apprenticeship meant that I was getting an SVQ Level 2 qualification while training for the job onsite.

I am responsible for providing management with an absence register so as they are aware of available trade staff on site and what resources we have. I sign in contractors and take FM ticket escalations via telephone and relay those of urgency to the supervisors. I raise orders for materials and new/existing contracts with suppliers. We are also responsible for amending and paying invoices to companies that have carried work out on site.

I like that no two days are the same so I am always keen to come into my work. The exposure I’ve had to the different areas of the department and witnessing the work that is carried out has given me a real insight into the successful operation of estates and just how vital it is for the functioning of the hospital. Before starting this job I wasn’t aware of the work estates do so I have really enjoyed learning all about it.

I found that in school apprenticeships where often aimed towards mechanical subjects so I would encourage people to look into all areas and know that are different fields of work where apprenticeship are offered – like this one in office administration.

My name is Megan Kinvig and I am an Administration Assistant in Pharmacy Services based at Clarkston Court. I started my apprenticeship when I was 17 having just left school.

My Business and Administration Apprenticeship was competed over 2 years and in that time I had the time to learn before actually being able to fully run with something. This time to learn has given me invaluable skills to see how people communicate, and simply how to work in a business environment as it is totally different from school. 

In school I was encouraged to consider going to university but my guidance teacher also told me in detail about Modern Apprenticeships. This was the perfect fit for me as I wanted to get a job, get money and to be independent.

From my first day I was learning, working and getting paid and I am now years ahead of people I went to school with. It has been the best choice I have made. It gave me financial independence, a qualification and a kick-start at working life.

The department I support is a busy one and I am responsible for carrying out a range administrative tasks to ensure that everything runs smoothly. This can range from managing email traffic, processing payroll information, data entry, creating agendas and taking minutes at meetings and making sure that Education and Training mailbox is kept up to date.

The Pharmacy Services team at Clarkston is a very supportive workplace. Every 2 weeks we have a team training sessions where one of us will share their knowledge or skill to take on a new task with the other team members. This means all the team have the opportunity to learn and ask questions. We also have a weekly catch up with colleagues outside work which give us the opportunity to chat outwith the office environment.

I think, that if you have a good team around you, your job is not a ‘chore’. I enjoy going to my work and one of the main reasons for that, is the people around me when I am there. 

In my first year of being an apprentice, I was awarded the runner up award for MA of the Year. I was put forward by my manager and getting the award really boosted my confidence, it made me feel I was doing not only my team proud, but that the NHS are proud of their apprentices, and that makes you feel valued.

An apprenticeship does prepare yourself for moving into adult life. Even though you are still an apprentice, you are treated like an adult. I certainly did not prepare myself for this part and I got a huge shock when I started! But I have the most supportive manager and colleagues around me who help me every day as I do them.

I was not the most organised person when I started my apprenticeship. This is because I had never been in a working environment whereby I had to plan meetings for other people, I had to print things for myself and had to plan a whole meeting. My apprenticeship taught me how to use my initiative, something I use every day now, in work and personal life. 

I hope to build my way up steadily and become a manager, so as one day, I can potentially take on a Modern Apprentice, and give them the experience and excellent start to working life that I had.

Megan is an administrator, working in pharmacy services. She started her career in the NHS by doing a Modern Apprenticeship. Megan is now doing a Graduate Apprenticeship in Business Management.

“What I like most about my job is that I’m encouraged to use my own initiative and work towards my own goals. I also get opportunity to develop my skills, whether that be communication, organisation or teamwork.”

My name is Melissa Beckett and I am a Management Accountant in Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership. I was Modern Apprentice of the year in 2019.

In my current role as a Management Accountant I oversee the finances for number of services including Clinical Directorates, Health improvement Teams and Older peoples services. My role is to assist the Budget Managers to understand their finances and to make sure they can run their service effectively and within budget.

My job presents different challenges every day and no two days are the same. I do a lot of problem solving in my job and get real satisfaction in providing solutions.

A big part of my role is producing costings, helping services understand their budgets and producing savings while ensuring that any savings made don’t have a negative effect on the service.

When I applied for the Apprenticeship programme I had a HND and was working in Finance but I was looking for a role where I could progress in and a family friend suggested applying for an Apprenticeship.   

Although studying for the Association of Accounting Technician qualification as part of the apprenticeship was a benefit, what I really wanted was to work somewhere where I could develop myself professionally.

I liked the idea of being able to learn on the job and to also be able work and study for my qualification. In the NHS because it’s such a large organisation, there are lots of opportunities to move about and get a wide range of experience.

Once I completed my training I was appointed into a Management Accounts Assistant role in the Acute Sector and was then promoted into a role with more responsibility. In 2020 I was promoted into the role of Management Accountant.

I’m glad I chose the Apprenticeship Pathway. Getting the experience and the qualifications through the MA programme have really helped my career. The best part of my Apprenticeship was learning on the job – I’ve developed skills and knowledge that I would never have learned through study alone. Equally it’s been really good to be able to put what you learn academically into practice in the workplace.

I’m continuing my study and am working towards achieving my Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualifications and longer term want to continue my career pathway into more senior roles in NHS.

My name is Peter McKay and I knew that I wanted to do an engineering apprenticeship when I was in my last year of school. I spoke to a careers adviser and did my own research online. That’s how I found out about apprenticeship opportunities in the NHS. I also went to an open evening at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to find out more. From there, I decided to apply.

I was really happy when I was offered an interview. It was the Modern Apprenticeship that I wanted to do. I knew I was going to have the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills.

In 2020, I was lucky enough to win the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Unison and Unite Modern Apprentice of the Year award. I was delighted to even be nominated for the award, so winning it was amazing. I was so pleased for my team too.

When I started my apprenticeship I didn’t know how big a role the estates department played in keeping the hospital running but I quickly realised it is one of the most important departments in the hospital. We make sure that wards, theatres and other areas are well maintained so patients can be cared for.

I also thought that the job would be limited to working in plant rooms, maintaining the equipment needed to supply building services. These services include heating, water and electrical distribution.

While I do work in plant rooms, my job is also about making sure patients’ needs are met. They’re the number one priority. A lot of the time, I’m carrying out maintenance jobs in patients’ rooms, such as making sure the temperature is just right, or repairing an electrical socket.

On the hospital wards, staff are caring for patients. I need to communicate with staff and patients to make sure the job I’m there to do causes the least disruption possible.

As a multi-skilled technician, I’m working across 3 trades, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and plumbing.

I enjoy coming in to work every day. Working in a maintenance team, I’ve made great friendships with colleagues and that makes every day enjoyable.

As I can be working in different parts of the hospital, it makes the job challenging and interesting. I’m kept busy and no two days are the same.

Starting my Modern Apprenticeship directly after leaving school was challenging. Having a full-time job and working and learning with skilled people and tradesmen is not the same as being taught at school. You learn a lot when you’re on your feet working.

Working across 3 trades was overwhelming at first, but it I’ve realised it is a benefit, as I’m developing a wide set of skills.

From my own experience, I couldn’t recommend doing an apprentice enough. It’s helped me mature as a person, and in my role. If you’re thinking about doing a Modern Apprenticeship in the NHS, I’d encourage you to apply.

With this Modern Apprenticeship, you’re offered a varied skill set across 3 different trades. I don’t think you’d get that with many other apprenticeships.

I hope to continue my education and do a degree in Building Services at university. It’s the next step on from completing an HNC in Engineering Systems, which I completed during my apprenticeship.

Becoming an estates manager is not something I thought would be possible when I left school and started my apprenticeship. But now I’m more confident and believe I can do it.

I decided to apply for an apprenticeship as a Clinical Practitioner Technologist because I had been studying engineering in college, and the job matched my interests.

This apprenticeship has helped me gain more knowledge about engineering through college and working on the job, it will benefit my future career as I will gain the knowledge and qualifications to improve my work and help me progress in my career.

I like that no day is the same and that there are numerous pieces of equipment that are worked on which will help me gain more experience and knowledge for my job role during my training, this will help me know more about certain pieces of equipment and how they work and the correct ways to service and repair them.

One of the most rewarding things about my role is that most of the equipment I am working with is used to help people, such as machines for theatres and wards and machines for home patients such as suction machines and ventilators. Knowing that the equipment is used to aid patients is rewarding.

The advice I would give anyone who is thinking about apply for a modern apprenticeship is that the modern apprenticeship programs are a great way to learn and gain experience

Modern Apprentice of the Year 2022 – Winner – Scott Robb

I decided to apply for a multi skilled engineering technician apprenticeship after I got talking to one of the NHSGGC Apprenticeship team who came to an apprenticeship fair at my School. They convinced me to attend an open evening in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, which showcased the job and the sort of work it involved and it looked really interesting and unique.

This role has helped me to get a greater understanding in to health care and engineering systems. It will benefit my career as it now have an understanding of how to work in the health care industry and how to change my approach on doing jobs depending on the type of environment I’m in.

I like that every day is different and the challenges that come with working in both an engineering and health care environment. The most rewarding part of the role is when you finish a job/ fix something knowing that you have done something that may seem small in the grand scheme but it makes a big difference.

If I could give advice to anyone looking to undertake an apprenticeship with NHS GGC I would say make sure you do your research about the different roles and what is involved in them to find something that really interests you.

Modern Apprentice of the Year 2021 Winner – John Hetherton

Wully Brodie Engineering Apprentice of the Year 2021 Winner – Abbie Jamieson

Modern Apprentice of the Year 2020 Winner – Peter McKay

This job family includes any Technical, Managerial, Call Handling,  Secretarial and Clerical professions including IT, Finance, Medical Records and Service Administration. These services can be delivered in both office and health care settings.

The professions which deliver and support Radiography, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language and Occupational Therapies. These services deliver direct patient care, rehabilitation, treatment, diagnostics and health improvement to patients in Hospital and community settings.

The individuals at the highest level of NHS management including Chief Executive, Executive and Non-Executive Directors.

The Professional, Scientific, Technical and Healthcare Support workers within Laboratories, hospital and community settings who perform diagnostic tests and deliver therapeutic services such as renal dialysis or cardiovascular perfusion.

Doctors and Dentists working within Hospital and Community Settings.

The professions which support Doctors and Dentists including Physician Assistants, Operating Department Practitioners, dental nurses and Dental technicians.

Registered Nurses and Midwives, Nursing Assistants and healthcare support workers who deliver direct patient care in hospital and community settings.

A range disciplines which deliver therapies and health care including Pharmacy, Optometry and Psychology in hospital and community settings.

A range of disciplines including Health Promotion, Hospital Chaplaincy and Social Work.

The individuals of NHS management including Head of Services and Service Managers.

The services common to any large organisation and include Mechanical, Electrical and Engineering professions, Porters, Domestics, Catering and a laundry services and Security, Decontamination and Transport Services.

Find the pathway to an NHS career that matches your skills and experience:

NHSGGC is keen to ensure that school pupils have access to accurate information in relation to NHS careers and pathways and recognise our role providing advice and guidance in the school environment. Our schools engagement programme aims to inform, educate and entertain. We help broaden pupils job aspirations, tackle stereotypes about jobs and careers and most importantly highlight the huge range of career opportunities and career pathways within the NHS.

Our engagement programme supports your school’s careers provision as it will help your pupils to link their subject choices to career pathways and supports student aspirations through supportive encounters with employers, employees and role models. We engage with schools through a range of activities:

• NHS Careers Ambassadors
• Careers events
• Virtual visits.

NHS Careers Ambassadors

Our NHS Profession Ambassadors work in a wide range of roles. They can talk to your students about their specific profession, raise awareness of the wide range of NHS Careers, host discussions to support subject choice and share their own career stories. We can tailor session for a specific age group or subject area or Job Family. 

Find out more about NHS Scotland Job Families or visit the NHS Scotland Careers website.

Virtual Visits

Our school visits programme can include virtual visits to schools. These visits can take the form of:

• Q&A session specific to a profession
• General advice and guidance on subject choices
• NHS careers pathways and entry routes
• Apprenticeships awareness sessions
• Mock interviews.

What you need to know when making a request

• There is no charge for the visit or talk
• We will prioritise requests from schools within the NHSGGC Board area. If you are outside our catchment area please contact the HR Department for your local health board for support
• We will endeavour to support any request attendance at careers events and parents evenings however we give priority to schools within SIMD 1 and 2 areas or schools who have not had a visit from us before.

How to Organise a Visit

Although we endeavour to arrange a session at your school, we may redirect your visit request to one of our timetabled events or sessions.  

Terms and Conditions

By completing our request form you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.

We do our best to honour our bookings but we cannot guarantee against staff unavailability, illness, adverse weather conditions, transport problems, or other factors beyond our reasonable control. 

If we cannot complete a planned visit, we will tell you as soon as possible and offer you the opportunity to make alternative arrangements.

If you can no longer host the scheduled visit, please tell us as soon as possible to allow us to either cancel the visit or reschedule it for a later date.

The Future Nurse campaign is a partnership between NHS Scotland Health boards and the Scottish Government to engage directly with pupils in primary schools and learn what Nurse  does and to tackle gender stereotypes – its not just for girls.

The project was initiated by Colin McNulty, Senior Nurse Manager at NHS Grampian, who found that attitudes and ideas about nursing are formed as early as primary school for most children.

NHSGGC is currently planning a Future Nurse programme for Primary Schools

Workforce Employability Officer – Mark Goldie – mark.goldie@nhs.scot

Workforce Employability Officer – Donna Lennie – donna.lennie@nhs.scot

Job Coach – Josh Thompson – josh.thompson2@nhs.scot

Job Coach – John Mcaulay – john.mcaulay2@nhs.scot

Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to work and learn at the same time. By the end of the apprenticeship period apprentices have demonstrated that they have the knowledge and skills required for the job role and are competent and experienced workers. This approach of working and learning at the same time is enhanced by a formal Apprenticeship Framework which ensures apprentices gain national recognition of their knowledge and skills.

How is an NHSGGC apprenticeship delivered?

All our Apprenticeships deliver an Industry recognised qualification. Some programmes are delivered in the workplace others may require you to attend college on a day release, part time or full time basis.

Our Apprenticeships are structured programmes that take the apprentices through the skills they need to eventually be working at the standard required for the role.

Our Apprentices study whilst they work. We do this through a combination study with our training providers, and off-the-job learning. This might be on one day a week, or a block of days at a time.

How much will I be paid as an apprentice?

Our trainees start on a minimum salary of the Scottish Living Wage and have access to all the benefits available to NHS Staff. This includes 27 days paid annual leave, 8 paid public holidays per year and enrolment in the NHS Pension Scheme.

What happens after I complete my NHSGGC apprenticeship?

The majority of trainees who successfully complete the NHSGGC Apprenticeship programme will be supported into permanent employment within the organisation.  

We have established career pathways and development programmes within the organisation which support ongoing career development and  support employees to work towards higher level qualifications, to develop their skills and progress within the NHS in Scotland.

If for any reason Apprentices chose not to remain with us on completion of training then they leave us with recognised qualifications and training, work experience and references, and a real advantage over other applicants in an increasingly competitive graduate job market.

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Workforce Employability Team would like to invite young people to Join our Mailing List to receive email alerts when new apprenticeship vacancies are advertised.

• Accountancy: Apprentices work in our Management and Financial Accounts Teams as Trainee Management Accounts Assistants
• Business and Administration: Apprentices work in a range of Administrative roles in hospital, office and health centre settings
• Construction (Joinery): Apprentices work in our Hospital Estates Teams as Trainee Joiners
• Dental Nursing: Trainee Dental Nurses based at the Glasgow Dental Hospital and School
• Electrical Installation: Apprentices work in our Hospital Estates Teams as Trainee Electricians
• Engineering – Electronic and Mechanical: Apprentices work in our estates teams as Mechanical Fitters (Mechanical Engineering) and in our Medical Physics Teams as Clinical Technologists (Electronic Engineering)
• Healthcare Support – Clinical and Non Clinical: Apprentices work in an range of roles supporting the delivery of hands on healthcare services e.g. Healthcare Support Workers and in services supporting the delivery of non clinical services e.g. Health Improvement
• Life Sciences: Apprentices work in our laboratory services – Biochemistry, Haematology, Microbiology and Pathology as Biomedical Support Workers
• Pharmacy: Apprentices work as Pre-registration Pharmacy Technicians and are based in our Hospital and Community Pharmacies
• Plumbing: Apprentices work within our Hospital Estates Team as Trainee Plumbers
• Procurement: Apprentices work within our Procurement function as Trainee Purchasing Officers

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Workforce Employability Team would like to invite young people to Join our Mailing List to receive email Alerts when new MA vacancies are advertised

Did you know

There are more than 100 Apprenticeships pathways available:

Since 2013 more than 200 apprentices have joined NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

We will be advertising a number of opportunities from March 2025 onwards including Apprenticeships in the following frameworks:

Administration Assistants: GP Out of Hours Service, Professional Administration

Clinical Engineering – Practitioner Clinical Technologists

Trainee Dental Nurses

Purchasing Officers (Procurement)

Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technicians

Porters

Health & Safety Apprenticeship

In the run up to Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Workforce Employability Team would like to invite young people to Join our Mailing List to receive email alerts when new MA vacancies are advertised

These Apprenticeships will be advertised on NHS Scotland – Jobs Page and on Apprenticeships.scot

You can learn more about what an NHS Apprenticeship is like in the Careers Stories section

Consider patterns of absence; absences at the end of the month or due to stress may be related to issues with money.

The Attendance Policy and Supporting Documents both offer advice on supportive management of absence

The stress of having money worries may affect the workplace performance of a staff member. All employees are required to perform the duties of their post to an acceptable standard.  

The Capability Policy and Supporting Documents both provide a clear process to support and manage employees who are required to improve their knowledge, skills or ability to perform their role.

A member of staff who has had a diagnosis of a long term health condition, for example cancer, may well be worrying about the financial impact of their diagnosis.

Support and Information Services

You can signpost or refer staff with a long term health condition to the Support and Information Services (SIS).They offer a wide range of support, and have links to community based advice organisations, including those for free, confidential, quality assured money advice and debt resolution. There is a Support and Information Service in the foyer at Stobhill ACH, New Victoria ACH, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. However, enquiries can also be made over the phone or via email no matter what site the member of staff is based in.

Check the web page for locations, opening times and local phone number, or email: sis@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Coping with a Health Problem: Help for Staff

You can also download a copy of Coping with a Health Problem: Help for Staff (pdf). It contains a wealth of information to support staff physical and mental health and can be used during supportive discussions with staff.

A member of staff who has been ill for some time and who has gone onto half pay or no pay will probably have significant concerns about money.

If you are keeping in touch with absent staff, it can help them to ensure that they maximise their income and claim any benefits to which they are entitled. The Support and Information Service will enable them to access this help through money advice services.

NHSGGC employs thousands of staff who are expected to maintain some form of registration with a professional body. The cost of this can amount to several hundred pounds per year. Where lapses in registration occur, consider that money worries may be part of the problem and be prepared to supportively manage and signpost to help.

The NHSGGC Policy on Employment of Statutory Registered Professionals details advice and responsibilities for managers.

You can also support staff by raising awareness of the tax relief that can be easily claimed on professional registration fees.

You could encourage staff to use the NHS Credit Union as a means to budget and save for their professional registration fees.

Throughout the course of a working life, personal circumstances can change considerably, for example through ill health, family job loss, maternity, disability, caring responsibilities, relationship breakdown or bereavement. At times like these money can sometimes become a worry and staff may need support. A referral to the Support and Information Service will enable staff to access the help they need for many of these issues including access to carer’s support and money advice.

Further information

Bereavement

For bereavement, a wide range of resources are available to support staff to cope with bereavement, whether personal or professional.

Caring responsibilities

If staff are responsible for caring for a family member, dependent or close friend there is help and support available for them and the person they look after. Visit the carer’s support web pages:

Breathing Space

Breathing Space provides a free confidential phone line that staff can call if they’re feeling down or anxious about anything.

Call 0800 83 85 87, Monday to Thursday, 6.00pm – 2.00am. Friday to Monday, 6.00pm – 6.00am

Flexible working policy

Universal Credit

Universal Credit has recently been introduced across Greater Glasgow and will replace a number of existing benefits including Housing Benefit and Working and Child Tax Credits. This financial support is available for people on a low income or out of work. It’s a monthly payment to help with living costs, and the amount depends on how much is earned in a month. Staff do not need to do anything about moving over to Universal Credit until they hear from the Department of Work & Pensions, unless their circumstances change.

The Support and Information Services (SIS) are available to all NHSGGC staff. They offer a wide range of support and have links to other community-based money advice.

To find out more, click on the buttons below to download posters and leaflets giving contact details for the Support and Information Service.

These resources can also be printed off and hung in staff areas for easy accessibility.

Small numbers can be ordered via the Public Health Resource Directory (PHRD).

The Support and Information Services (SIS) are available for NHSGGC staff, patients, carers and visitors. They offer a wide range of support and have links to other community-based advice organisations, including those for money advice and resolving debt. This makes the SIS the ideal first point of contact for staff needing help and support.

The Support and Information Service (SIS) also provides a range of advice and support for staff who may be struggling during the current cost of living crisis.

We are pleased to confirm that, following an award by the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Healthcare Charity, the SIS will also be able to provide small hardship grants to staff. These will be provided as part of a wider needs assessment, to ensure any member of staff seeking to access the fund is also able to access sustainable, long-term support. The service is entirely confidential and your details will not be shared with anyone.

To access our hardship support:

1. drop in or contact your nearest SIS service. We are located in most hospital atriums.
2. call: 0141 452 2387. If we are closed, please leave a message & we will get back to you.
3. email: sis@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Visit the webpage for locations, opening times and local phone number, or email: sis@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

NHS Inform Scotland’s Service Directory contains details of money advice services across Scotland, this may be of particular use for staff who live outwith Greater Glasgow and Clyde:

Debt Navigator provides information and advice on how to deal with debts including- energy debts; mortgage, rent and council tax arrears; loans, credit cards and overdrafts; car finance and care costs. The website includes a web chat function.

A change in your circumstances, such as changes to your health, relationships, pregnancy or unexpected expenses can change what social security benefits and grants you may entitled to access. This section aims to assist those who may not be in receipt of all of the benefits or financial supports they may be legally entitled to.

Information on benefits and grants can be found here:

Information on local, free confidential money advice services in your area can be found via:

Other useful links

Department of Work and Pensions:

Information on benefits including Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Carer Support Payment, Child Benefit and others:

Social Security Scotland

Information on benefits including Best Start Grants, Scottish Child Payment, Child Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment, Funeral Support Payment and others:

The Scottish Welfare Fund helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes.

You must be 16 or older and on a low income, or getting certain benefits, to apply for grants available.

Help with living costs – Scottish Welfare Fund – mygov.scot

Home Energy Scotland is pleased to be working with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to offer you support with free and impartial energy advice and support.

They cover everything from simple energy saving tips in the home to transport and active travel advice. Home Energy Scotland’s friendly advisors offer vital support to colleagues across NHSGGC.

Who is Home Energy Scotland?

Home Energy Scotland is a network of local advice centres covering all of Scotland. Our expert advisors offer free, impartial advice on saving energy, keeping warm at home, renewable energy, greener travel and cutting water waste. We’re funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust, and our mission is to help people in Scotland create warmer homes, reduce their bills and help tackle climate change.

We’ll help you stay warm and well

Recent research by Home Energy Scotland* has revealed that 70% of people in Scotland feel concerned about energy bills rising, with almost two thirds using more energy than usual during the first 12 months of the pandemic. The research also found that 59% of Scots have noticed a worrying rise in their energy bills already.

Simple steps like changing your thermostat settings in the warmer months, regularly switching your energy supplier or changing the way you pay can all make positive changes to the amount you spend on keeping you warm and well at home.

Home Energy Scotland’s friendly advisors can help you make the best use of your energy, so your home is warmer and your bills are as low as possible.

Make my home warmer

Find out if you could be eligible for home energy efficiency improvement worth, on average, £5000. Available to home owners and private tenants, Warmer Homes Scotland could see energy efficient home improvements – like insulation or a new heating system – installed in your home at no cost to you.

Go green and save

We can help you make changes that make a big difference to the planet – and your purse. From heating your home using renewable technology to choosing greener ways to travel, our specialists will help you make the right choice for your lifestyle. Take a look at our webinar programme to learn more.

Find funding

There’s lots of support out there to help you make greener changes and reduce your energy use. We’re even offering free ebike trails to GP surgeries.

Speak to an advisor

If you’re worried about your energy bills, call Home Energy Scotland free of charge on 0808 808 2282 – quoting NHSGGC

You can also contact our Advice Team by email at adviceteam@sc.homeenergyscotland.org – quoting NHSGGC

* Energy Saving Trust, “Climate Change Research” April 2021

Home Energy Scotland E-Learning Module

With the weather changing, the cost of energy might be on your mind at the moment. The new ‘Home Energy E-Learning’ module could be a perfect way to help you keep cosy this winter and save money on your bills.

The module will help you save energy at home to reduce your bills and tackle the climate emergency. It is brought to you by the team at Home Energy Scotland and is available through LearnPro under the CPD Category under show all learning and is called ‘Home Energy E-Learning’. You can also search using the search box and type in Home Energy to find the module. To add this to your learning, please click add and confirm. You can then click select to view the module.

The module will take you on a virtual tour of a typical home, identifying energy saving hotspots and help you discover how much money and energy you could save by making simple changes. You’ll get a personalised action plan to download and take away, with tips and details of funding and support to make energy saving home improvements.

Bloomberg UK have created a helpful graphic to show the cost of running different household appliances according to the energy cap scheduled for October 2022.

A carer is a person who provides or intends to provide unpaid, practical, physical and emotional support to relatives, friends or neighbours due to physical or mental illness, addiction, frailty or disability. This includes young people and parents. They do not need to live with the person to be their carer.

If this is you, you are not alone. There is help and support available for you and the person you look after.

Support from your Union

Many unions offer support to their members who are suffering financial hardship. Check with your union for details.

Unison Financial Assistance

If you are a member and you are experiencing financial difficulties, whether due to coronavirus or other circumstances, There for You can offer you support, including one-off grants.

If you are a Unison member and you are experiencing financial and emotional difficulties, There for You can offer you support, including one-off grants.

For information about other trade unions and professional organisations go to:

For more information on how the NHSGGC Board engages with 15 Trade Unions/Professional Organisations and takes forward staff side views to influence Board policies and to ensure that staff interests are properly reflected in policy development go to:

About the NHS Credit Union

Like all credit unions, the NHS Credit Union is a financial co-operative, owned and controlled by its members.

We help care for the financial health of members across Scotland and the North of England and our membership is growing at record rates. Almost 20,000 NHS workers are currently enjoying the benefits of being an NHS Credit Union member.

Our mission is to promote financial well-being and a savings culture in the NHS industry alongside reducing financial stress in staff and providing ethical financial assistance to those who need it.

For access to savings products and loans, paid directly from your salary the NHS Credit Union is easy to join. It can help you to budget your money or to save for holidays, unexpected spends or even your professional registration fees.

Am I eligible to join the NHS Credit Union?

The Safe Harbour Service @NHS Credit Union

Safe Harbour is confidential service open to all members, that aims to help those who may be experiencing economic abuse to take back control of their money.

The service is currently running a simple three questions survey to find out about member awareness of the service and to inform future developments.

A wide range of services are available to NHSGGC staff.

Discounts

NHS Staff Benefits offers discounts and special offers on many products and services from holidays and eating out, to gym membership. Log in to find out further details:

Mortgage Advice Clinic

Qualified advisers can help you find the right mortgage, matching your circumstances and requirements to the right product.

You can arrange an appointment by calling 0141 213 8353

Pre-retirement Financial Planning

Through NHS Staff Benefits, staff can access support in planning for their retirement or if they have been affected by recent pension changes.

Some stores offer membership to certain groups of workers, including NHS staff, giving access to discounted goods.

The Company Shop offers discounts to NHS staff, and also reduces waste by redistributing surplus food and household products from some of the biggest UK retailers.

Did you know that you can claim tax relief on the cost of laundering your uniform? This includes nursing and allied health professionals and also domestic, catering and portering staff.

You can also claim tax relief on registration fees that you are required to pay to your professional body. It is easy to do and you may also get a backdated sum. To check your eligibility and then apply visit:

Are you interested in learning more about easy retirement planning or how to understand mortgages better. Do you need support on how to manage your money better or maybe you feel you need a midlife MOT on wealth, work & wellbeing? Then these Open University courses may be for you.

They are free & range from as little as 2 hours study upwards depending on the course you choose.

You can get up to £500 every 3 months (£2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare.

For more information about how you can receive help with childcare costs have a look on the Childcare Choices website.

Problem gambling is defined as gambling that is disruptive or damaging to you or your family, or interferes with your daily life. Most people in the UK gambled or played the lottery in the last year and with the rise in the number of online internet gambling sites and mobile apps has made gambling more easily and readily accessible – activities like playing the lottery once or twice a week aren’t harmful however, for around 9 in 1000 people, gambling becomes a problem or an addiction.

Problem gambling can strain relationships, impact on work and have serious financial consequences. There is a risk that escalation of the problem could lead to harmful behaviours like running up huge debts or even stealing money to gamble.

For information on problem gambling and the signs of problem gambling visit:

Support and getting help

Support within NHSGGC

There is a dedicated specialist resource via Occupational Health via an addiction’s nurse who can be accessed via self-referral on 0141 201 0600. Further information can be found via:

Alternatively your manager may refer you via this link: https://nhsggc.opasg2.com/login/form Further information about this can be found here: Management Referrals – NHSGGC

Other external sources of support

Gamblers Anonymous Scotland

Gamblers Anonymous Scotland has meetings every day, and is free to attend. The meetings are informal and friendly, and there are currently around 70 meetings held in Scotland every day. Gamblers Anonymous also has a 24-hour helpline you can phone on 0370 050 8881.

A member of Gamblers Anonymous will answer your call – someone who fully understands the problem of compulsive gambling. Please note that this is NOT a crisis hotline. If you are in crisis or suicidal call 999.

Gam-Anon Scotland

If you have a loved one with a gambling problem, support is available from Gam-Anon Scotland. The organisation has supportive, confidential meetings that are separate from Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Call the Gam-Anon 24-hour helpline on 0370 050 8881

Breathing Space

If you’re struggling with the impact gambling is having on your life, or the life of a loved one, phone Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 for support and counselling. Breathing Space is open:

· Weekdays: Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am

· Weekends: Friday 6pm to Monday 6am

Public Health Scotland’s Virtual Learning Environment [VLE] has developed 6 modules aimed at those working in front line public services, with some sections dedicated to those in a management role. Please see list below

·       Understanding Poverty

·       Understanding Poverty, Stigma and Discrimination

·       Poverty Sensitive Practice

·       My Role in Service Planning and Design

·       My Role in Organisational Policy

·       My Role as a Line Manager

The module objectives are;

• Provide an overview of poverty in Scotland
• Raise awareness of stigma and discrimination associated with poverty
• Raise awareness of the impact of poverty stigma and discrimination on individuals and their health and wellbeing
• Introduce sensitive approaches to reduce poverty stigma discrimination

To access these modules please visit the VLE using this link Course: Challenging poverty stigma and discrimination (publichealthscotland.scot)

You will be required to enrol to access these modules

Please familiarise yourself with the Challenging Poverty Stigma Hub by watching this short VT. To access, click on the screen below:

• RCN Foundation Benevolent Services (For more information on how to apply for a grant)
• Money Worries and Financial Wellbeing Podcast (National Wellbeing Hub)
• Tips for Managing Finances (National Wellbeing Hub)
• Employee financial wellbeing (CIPD)
• Mental Health and Money Toolkit
• Money and Pensions Service
• Money Helper – Free money guidance
• Citizens Advice Scotland, Council Tax Reduction Tool
• Energy domestic consumer advice for Autumn/Winter 2022 from Ogem (Download the pdf:

Help with Bills Scotland)