A local health trust has been recognised for its innovative approach to developing the future healthcare workforce by being named a regional finalist in the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2026.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, part of University Hospitals Tees, shortlisted in the T Level Employer of the Year category, the accolade highlights the trust’s commitment to providing high-quality industry placements that give young people the skills and experience needed for a successful career in healthcare.
Experience
Combining real-world clinical experience with training at its state-of-the-art Health and Social Care Academy, based at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, the programme is creating opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and skills to thrive in the NHS. Potential careers include nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Emma Davies, group education, learning and development manager, said:
“We are delighted to be recognised as a regional finalist in the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. It reflects the hard work and commitment of our teams and education partners in creating innovative opportunities for young people.
“We are committed to inspiring and developing the healthcare workforce of the future. Our placement model allows more students to gain valuable experience, build their confidence and develop their skills.
“By combining project-based learning with clinical experience, we are creating a sustainable flow of talent that benefits both students and healthcare services.”
Between autumn 2025 and June 2026, the education and training team successfully piloted a new approach to T Level placements using the Department for Education’s Small Team Project model.
Virtual patient
Three students from Hartlepool College of Further Education took part in a project focused on the care of a virtual patient, Maya, applying their learning to a realistic healthcare scenario while developing the values and behaviours needed to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
The pilot culminated in a showcase event where students presented their work, demonstrating the impact of the innovative placement model and its potential to enhance learning while increasing placement capacity.
Stephanie Bolton, T levels programme lead at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “None of us could have predicted how successful this approach would be or the positive impact it would have on the student experience.
“Throughout the project, we saw immense growth and development in the three students. Their knowledge and understanding of healthcare and its core values increased, alongside significant improvements in their academic skills.
“Crucially, they also developed the interpersonal skills needed to complete the qualification and succeed as healthcare professionals.
“Each student thrived, gaining confidence and demonstrating excellent teamwork and communication; some also showed clear leadership potential. I am extremely confident that all three will excel in their clinical placements during the second year of the programme.”
More students to benefit
Following the success of the pilot, the programme is being expanded to enable more students to benefit from the training opportunity. From October 2026, some 90 first-year T Level students from local college will take part in Small Team Projects as part of their mandatory industry placement programme.
The north east National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2026 award ceremony takes place on Wednesday 30 September at the Gateshead Hilton Hotel.