WORCESTERSHIRE Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has won an award for being the best employer of apprentices in the county.

The trust, which runs the Alexandra, Kidderminster and Worcestershire Royal hospitals, took the apprentice employer of the year title at the annual awards event of training provider Worcestershire Group Training Association for its commitment and the support it gives to apprentices.

Over the last three years the trust has supported more than 130 business administration apprentices in gaining both their qualifications and valuable work experience in the NHS.

Sandra Berry, assistant director of human resources at the trust said: β€œIt was an honour to receive this award. I am very proud of our learning and development team for the tremendous support and guidance they give apprentices and also the line managers and supervisors who guide and support the apprentices every day. An apprenticeship is a fantastic way of learning on-the-job and many apprentices have gone on to secure permanent jobs in our hospitals.”