Apprentices get their teeth into new careers

A group of dental practices is helping several young people get their teeth into new careers with the help of one of the region’s leading apprenticeship providers.

InDental, which has five NHS practices in Newcastle and Gateshead, is working closely with the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) to deliver specialist apprenticeship training within the group.

Having worked with NECC for a number of years to recruit and train apprentices, InDental is currently training four NECC apprentices, Danielle Weirs, Zara Aguiar, Sophie Barrat and Nicola McKitten.

Due to the continued success of the NECC apprentices, the group is now in the process of recruiting a further two dental apprentices with the intention being for them to begin their training in September.

The apprenticeship is recognised by the GDC and the apprentices receive the Diploma in Dental Nursing.

Sue Mulholland, practice co-ordinator, said: ‘NECC’s training team have been terrific for our apprentices. The standard of support and hands-on service we receive from NECC has been a vital part of their successful development.’

Aside from their enthusiasm to learn and develop their expertise, Sue believes the apprentices across the group bring new and innovative practices into the business.

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NECC assistant manager for services, Dawn Longmore, with NECC apprentices Danielle Weirs (left) and Zara Aguiar (right)

She said: ‘What apprentices bring is enthusiasm to learn and develop the appropriate skills to progress in a chosen specialism and, as a result, they constantly bring in up to date practices and a current skills base.’

One of the group’s newest practices in Fewster Square, Gateshead, currently employs two NECC apprentices.

Zara Aguiar, one the apprentices who has recently began working towards a level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing, said: ‘I’m really enjoying working with the practice and looking forward to gaining my diploma. I hope that eventually I can specialise either as a dental hygienist or as a dental therapist.’

Due to the group’s success in recent years, and its subsequent expansion, there is now the need to recruit apprentices in other disciplines.

Sue said: ‘We are intending to recruit apprentices in other disciplines in order to support the business as the group continues to work towards its primary aim of providing the highest possible level of care to our patients and fulfil our commitment to the NHS.

‘We see apprentices as being essential in achieving those aims. Furthermore, the training that our apprentices receive from NECC provides, including access to a number of post qualification opportunities, means they have the capabilities to contribute to these aims.’

Dawn Longmore, NECC assistant manager for services, said: ‘We are delighted to work alongside InDental to deliver dental apprenticeship training.

‘They have been a very supportive employer and thanks to the commitment of Sue Mulholland have been open to helping their workforce to develop their skills.’

 


• To find out how to recruit apprentices for your business visit www.necc.co.uk/apprenticeships or call 0300 303 6322.

 

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