In Bupa Global & UK, 10% of our workforce is made up of apprentices, varying across different roles within our business units. Our dental and care services businesses recruited around 700 employees into their apprenticeship roles last year and throughout the business we’re seeing the value apprenticeships can offer to our workforce.
Our apprenticeships develop clear career paths for our people and managers, in particular for those on our frontlines, as we are developing roles that have the greatest impact on those who rely on our services.
In our dental services we have introduced a trainee nurse role to bring in and upskill dental nurses for the future. While this role is outside of the apprenticeship levy, it helps reduce the reporting and recording requirements, which can be onerous for some learners, while still offering a rigorous and rewarding training and development package.
In our aged care business, we have created a new role of Care Practitioner, sitting between senior carers and nurses, providing a career pathway for carers and providing support to nursing teams. We are proud that this was recognised at last year’s CIPD Management Awards where Bupa Care Services was a finalist in the ‘Best Apprenticeship’ category.
In October 2021, Bupa launched its first Trainee Nursing Associate programme. Seven of its internal care staff started their journey on the Foundation Degree to become PIN registered Nursing Associates. These Trainees are working incredibly hard and are committed, motivated and eager to learn. Using knowledge gained from their apprenticeship studies, they’re going to make a real difference in how they can support and care for our residents.
This is being expanded to include a Nurse Associate Apprenticeship in our Health Clinics business, which will help healthcare assistants make the transition into nursing roles.
Tom Hoosen Webber, Chief People and Procurement Officer at Bupa Global & UK said; “We’re really proud of our apprenticeships and the programmes we offer. They provide routes into a variety of job roles and a system which helps you navigate your career.
“Apprenticeships are offered at six levels, from foundation to advances and they’re a great way to significantly enhance your skill set within your existing role or give you a chance to explore a new career.”
Over 80% of employees continue working at Bupa for at least a year after they’ve completed their apprenticeship and 17% who completed a leadership apprenticeship have received promotions within the business after their studies.
If you’d like to apply for an apprenticeship at Bupa please visit our careers hub.
