A successful graduate of NHS Tayside’s Modern Apprenticeship programme is celebrating after securing a permanent post in the cashiering team.
Eilidh Munro, who lives in Perth, spotted an advert online for the Modern Apprenticeship cashier post at NHS Tayside and decided to apply.
Eilidh said, “I was scrolling online every day for job opportunities and I saw the advert for the Modern Apprenticeship at NHS Tayside and thought it sounded good. I think a lot of people expect that an apprenticeship is only for people going into a trade but there are lots of different opportunities available.”
The 22-year-old’s application was successful and Eilidh joined the cashiering team at NHS Tayside in February 2020 as a Modern Apprentice. Within weeks, Eilidh showed her resourcefulness and team spirit after she was temporarily assigned to support the catering team at Perth Royal Infirmary as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She soon returned to her cashiering duties and successfully completed her SVQ Level 2 in Business Administration at Dundee and Angus College as part of the Modern Apprenticeship programme.
Following completion of her apprenticeship, Eilidh has now taken on a permanent post as a cashier in Stracathro Hospital and Ninewells Hospital. This role involves supporting patients with travelling expenses and patient valuables.
Eilidh said she hopes other people will consider joining the Modern Apprenticeship programme.
She said, “I would definitely recommend going for it if somebody is looking for a job. I was always someone who was going to university but when I got there I realised it wasn’t for me. Going for the apprenticeship meant that I could use the skill set I had, as well as gaining experience while I was working and learning my role.
“Everyone at work has been so welcoming and helped me. I have always felt like a part of the team and I am really happy to now have a permanent job in the cashiering department.”
NHS Tayside Head Cashier, George Walker, said Eilidh had played a vital role in the team since she began her apprenticeship.
He said, “Eilidh has proved to be an essential part of the team and her enthusiasm is infectious on other members of the team.
“We are delighted to have Eilidh join the team as a permanent member of staff and we are now looking forward to offering another opportunity for a new Modern Apprentice to join the cashiering team.”
NHS Tayside has supported Modern Apprenticeships programmes since 2006. The initiative is implemented across a range of departments and specialities. The Modern Apprenticeships vary in length, between two and four years and are at a variety of academic levels and pay bands.
For further information on Modern Apprenticeship programmes at NHS Tayside, please contact Judith Golden by emailing judith.golden@nhs.scot
You can also visit the Modern Apprenticeship page on NHS Tayside’s website