National Apprenticeship Week is shining a spotlight on how apprenticeships are helping people build rewarding careers at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital – and this year, that success has been recognised at county level.
Francesca Hubbard, an Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner in Main Theatres, has been named Apprentice of the Year – Degree Level 6–7 at this week’s Norfolk Apprenticeships Awards 2026.
Fran’s achievement reflects both her personal dedication and the strength of apprenticeship development at The QEH. A rising talent within her department, the award recognises her unwavering commitment, professionalism and dedication to her training.
She said: “This was the first time I have worked in a healthcare environment, and I am enjoying my journey so far. I love being part of such an amazing team.”
The Trust currently supports more than 100 apprentices across a wide range of roles, including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Business Administration and Clinical Coding.
Apprenticeships at The QEH enable people to earn while they learn, combining paid employment with nationally recognised qualifications and hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting. Over the past three years, the hospital has achieved a 93 per cent retention rate for completed apprenticeships, with apprentices now making up three per cent of the workforce — a figure that continues to grow.
Nurturing and developing talent is among the key workforce priorities for the Trust, with apprenticeships playing a central role in supporting progression, retention and long-term sustainability.
Chief Nurse, Pippa Street, said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing our workforce and creating opportunities for people at every stage of their career. At The QEH, we support colleagues to grow their skills, gain qualifications and build long-term futures in the NHS, while continuing to provide high-quality care for our patients.”
Award-winning progression and frontline impact
Alongside Fran’s award win, The QEH was also proud to see another apprentice recognised at the Norfolk Apprenticeships Awards.
Amy Durrant, Recruitment Manager at QEH, was Highly Commended in the Apprentice of the Year – Higher Level 4–5 category.
Amy completed a Level 5 Operational Management Apprenticeship alongside her full-time role. She joined the Trust in 2019 as a Band 2 Resourcing Assistant and progressed through several roles while studying.
Her apprenticeship supported service improvements including the digitisation of recruitment processes and sustained reductions in time-to-hire. Amy completed her programme with a Distinction, gained an additional ILM Level 5 Diploma, and was previously named College of West Anglia Apprentice of the Year 2025.
“You earn, learn and apply new skills in real time,” Amy said. “It’s challenging, but absolutely worth it.”
From Healthcare Assistant to Registered Nurse
Apprenticeships are also helping to strengthen frontline clinical services.
Ian Coventry, now a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department, began his career in care at the age of 18. He joined The QEH as a Bank Healthcare Assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic before starting a Nursing Degree Apprenticeship in 2021.
While balancing work, placements and family life, Ian completed nine placements across the Trust and graduated with a first-class honours degree in 2025.
“Being an apprentice means you’re always part of the working environment,” Ian said. “Learning alongside colleagues in real-world situations shaped me into the nurse I am today.”
Creating pathways into NHS careers
Apprenticeships are also providing early career routes into healthcare.
Alice Jeffery, an Occupational Therapy Apprentice, began her journey through a T Level in Adult Nursing, completing work experience at The QEH. After discovering a passion for occupational therapy during a stroke rehabilitation placement, Alice secured a Therapy Assistant role before progressing onto an apprenticeship earlier this year.
“I’ve always been a hands-on learner, and apprenticeships felt like the right path for me,” Alice said. “I’m excited to keep developing my skills and supporting patients.”
Supporting people to grow and stay in the NHS
QEH’s apprenticeship programmes are primarily taken up by existing staff, allowing colleagues to develop within their roles while continuing to deliver care.
Apprentices receive structured training, mentoring and ongoing support, with all programmes fully funded through the Trust’s Apprenticeship Levy, meaning there is no student debt.
ENDS
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