Louise Evill is a senior radiographer and practice educator at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. She has supported two radiography apprentices to progress their career and gain a role as a diagnostic radiographer. We spoke to her about her experiences of apprenticeships.

Why did you go down the apprenticeship route?

‘We wanted to support our own staff to progress into radiography. Our first apprentice, Clare, had been an assistant practitioner in plain film X-ray for over 15 years. The apprentice programme allowed Clare to expand her role and train as a radiographer, which is something she would not have been able to do using the undergraduate route. ‘

We already knew how enthusiastic, hard working and highly motivated Clare was, and she fits in so well to our radiography team. The apprenticeship allowed us to provide her with the support she needed during her training.’

Why did you choose Sheffield Hallam?

‘We were familiar with the lecturers and the support they provide, as we have Hallam undergraduate students here in the hospital. The website for apprentices was very useful for me and other work-based mentors. And it is local to our trust, so it was convenient for Clare to travel to university.’

How do apprenticeships benefit your sector?

‘It’s an opportunity for staff progression while still retaining the staff member during their training. It allows assistant practitioners to gain a radiography degree while still getting paid and not having to pay tuition fees.'

‘Unlike traditional undergraduate radiography routes, the apprentices are interviewed in-house. They are current trust employees, so they already know the hospital environment, equipment, protocols and policies.’

What successes have your degree apprentices helped your organisation achieve?

‘So far the programme has supported two radiography apprentices to achieve a radiography degree and a job as a diagnostic radiographer. Apprentices can still fulfil their current role while training, so there's no shortfall in staff levels.’

Would you recommend taking on apprentices to other organisations?

‘Yes. We have found that apprentices are self-motivated and require less supervision than undergraduate students. They are already familiar with working in a hospital setting so are well prepared for the course.’