Here's why the team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals were nominated:

"I am formally nominating Sheffield Teaching Hospitals for the Employer of the Year category given the commitment and development associated to the PROUD apprenticeship programme.

The PROUD programme has secured national success recently at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards securing a win in the category of Best New Apprenticeship Programme. A synopsis of the PROUD programme and its development is included as follows:

In July 2024, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (STH), in partnership with The Sheffield College, launched the PROUD Apprenticeship to create a more inclusive route into NHS careers. The programme aims to remove barriers to employment and attract individuals who may not traditionally consider healthcare roles, particularly young people, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities or learning difficulties.

The apprenticeship combines the Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Standard with a bespoke, values-led learning experience aligned to the Trust’s PROUD values: Patient First, Respectful, Ownership, Unity and Deliver. Apprentices participate in immersive activities such as behind-the-scenes hospital tours, secret shopper exercises, complaints simulations, career development workshops and personality profiling to build confidence, communication skills and professional capability.

Recruitment was redesigned to widen participation, supported by partnerships with organisations including The King’s Trust and Jobcentre Plus. The first cohort attracted 84 applications, with 14 apprentices recruited onto the 15-month programme. Since launch, the programme has grown to three cohorts with 20 apprentices currently in training.

The programme has delivered strong early outcomes. Among the first cohort, 8 apprentices had a learning difficulty or disability, 6 came from disadvantaged communities and the group achieved a 50/50 gender balance. Of the 14 apprentices, 9 completed the programme, all passed their End Point Assessment, and 88% achieved a distinction.

The PROUD Apprenticeship represents a new approach to recruitment within the NHS, focusing on potential rather than prior qualifications. By combining academic learning with real-world healthcare experiences and strong employer support, the programme helps apprentices understand the impact of compassionate service on patient care while developing workplace skills.

Following its success, the programme continues to expand. A fourth cohort is planned for September 2026, and a new Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, Aspire, will launch in May 2026 for existing staff. Together, these initiatives will create clear career progression routes and support the development of a more inclusive and sustainable NHS workforce."

Lyndsey Herdman, Apprenticeships Lead, Healthcare Careers Team, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which won the Employer of the Year award, added: "Our organisation has always recognised the value of investing in skills development across our workforce. Apprentices represent the future workforce, bringing enthusiasm and fresh ideas."

“It’s absolutely fantastic to win this award. We’ve built a great relationship with The Sheffield College and its apprenticeship team and look forward to continued partnership.”