We are UHB: Kacey Horton, Business admin Apprentice

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust runs Good Hope, Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth and Solihull hospitals, and Solihull community services.

I am currently working at UHB as a business admin apprentice. My day-to-day role consists of answering emails, creating and updating spreadsheets for the courses that are run by the School of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and Midwifery, as well as attending meetings. In the Professional Development Team, which I work in, we run courses and programmes for new starters, trainee nursing associates, and many more staff across the organisation. So, a lot of the admin work I do revolves around education.

I decided to do an apprenticeship because I liked the fact you aren’t expected to know everything, but you get first-hand, on the job experience for the career you want. You also get a qualification at the end, which is beneficial to you and your future.

There is always a new task and new things to learn, which is one of my favourite things about this role. The team is always trying to find new ways to adapt, for the benefit of staff, so I like that there is always something for me to help work on.

I mostly enjoy helping out with the clinical induction, and giving new starters their administration to start their job. It’s so nice to see everyone excited to join the Trust. I hope to go through that process myself one day… Having worked in the area I have been, it has inspired me to join the trainee nursing associate programme, which is also an apprenticeship. My ultimate aim is to continue working at the Trust, and once I become a nursing associate, I’d like to work as a clinical educator.

I’ve really enjoyed my time at UHB. There are so many opportunities available for new starters and current staff. I feel very supported by my team, as well as all the staff I have met on my journey, which is really nice.

For anyone that is considering an apprenticeship as a career route, I would absolutely recommend it – I’m doing it twice! Not only do you get paid, but you also get that invaluable first-hand experience of what the job is actually like and whether you’ll enjoy it. You are so well supported throughout, which makes learning a lot easier and more enjoyable.

The Trust’s Healthcare Careers and Development (HCCD) Team can offer pastoral support to all new apprentices, providing advice and guidance regarding study strategies and techniques, allowing apprentices to become confident and effective in the workplace.?

The Trust offers apprenticeships for over 40 job roles, so there is so much choice.

The team provides a link to training providers and managers to ensure the quality and engagement of apprenticeship learning is relevant and consistent. Any difficulties that arise during an apprenticeship are discussed during regular meetings, and if necessary, as and when problems arise.?They are the link between managers and training providers to ensure a smooth and engaging experience for apprentices to achieve their award.

The team are in regular communication with our apprentices to ensure they are on track with their studies, which also gives them a chance to ask any questions.

Are you interested in starting an apprenticeship at UHB? Find out more here: