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Amber gets green light to speak for NHS Salford








Posted by Editor on 23rd February 2010 at 05:04 PM
Amber gets green light to speak for NHS Salford
by Mark Bright

A Salford teenager who was helped on to the NHS career ladder by her local Primary Care Trust has been asked to speak at a national conference.

Amber-Leigh Galbraith was 17 when she started at NHS Salford in May 2008. Through the organisation’s apprenticeship scheme, the former Wentworth High School student has gained an NVQ level 2 and an NVQ Level 3 in business administration and now has a permanent job as a learning and support adviser.

Amber, who is from Eccles, said: “The apprenticeship scheme was perfect for me as I was never interested in being taught in a classroom. NHS Salford has given me the opportunity to learn on the job and work towards a recognised qualification. I’m now a trainer and have the skills and support I need.”

Skills for Health has invited Amber to speak at the National Apprenticeship Conference at Central Hall, Westminster about her experience of being an apprentice. Health Secretary Andy Burnham will also be at the conference – and this will be the third time Amber has brushed shoulders with the MP.

NHS Salford was one of the first PCTs nationally to adopt an apprenticeship scheme – taking on nine teenagers in a range of departments during 2008. Since then the scheme has gone from strength to strength and the organisation now has 23 apprentices at various stages on the programme.

Head of Development at NHS Salford, Barbara Jackson, said:
“We’re delighted with the success of our apprenticeship scheme and really do see it as being mutually beneficial for the organisation and young people in our area. Young people bring with them energy and enthusiasm for learning. They also tend to be fully up to speed with IT and technology, which are important skills to have in the NHS today.”

Photo: Amber with Health Secretary Andy Burham

Source: NHS Salford

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