Charles Clifford Dental Hospital

We recently spoke with Sally Pashley, Dental Nurse Tutor at Charles Clifford Dental Hospital (CCDH), to learn more about Apprenticeships and their partnership with The Sheffield College, Apprenticeships+.

Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, opened in 1953 and is a key provider of specialist dental services in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. As part of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, CCDH has a rich history of delivering high-quality care, training and medical research innovation.

Currently, CCDH enrols employees in the City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing, a programme that aligns with their commitment to producing highly skilled dental professionals.

When hiring an Apprentice, CCDH looks for candidates who are “motivated, professional and have good time management and communication skills,” Sally noted. These qualities ensure that Apprentices can thrive in the demanding environment of a teaching hospital.

Hiring Apprentices has brought significant benefits to CCDH. “As a teaching hospital, our Apprentices support both students and staff, which enhances their training and positively impacts the wider team,” Sally said. Furthermore, successful Apprentices have the opportunity to apply for permanent positions within the hospital.

CCDH has also used Apprenticeships to enhance the professional development of their employees, enabling them to become assessors, tutors and internal quality assures. “This allows our staff to directly contribute to the learning and development of our Apprentices,” Sally explained.

For employers considering their first Apprentice, Sally’s advice is clear: “It’s a wonderful way to grow your workforce. But you must be committed, actively support the Apprentice and allow time for their training and development.”

Reflecting on CCDH’s experience with The Sheffield College, Sally described the partnership as “excellent,” highlighting the seamless support provided throughout the programme.

Sally stated the value of Apprenticeships within the NHS: “They help and support the growing workforce,” ensuring that healthcare providers like CCDH can continue to deliver exceptional care.

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