What our support looks like

NHS Lothian have supported the Edinburgh Guarantee for almost a decade by providing apprenticeships and placement opportunities for Edinburgh Project SEARCH.

Growing their future workforce, widening new routes into careers, tackling inequalities and creating opportunities for everyone has been central to delivery within NHS Lothian. Their employability work is key to managing inequalities and enabling those at disadvantage in the labour market to have supported opportunities to develop employability skills for sustainable progression into employment.  

They are passionate about innovating to inspire, recruit and retain young talent. They do this by providing more pathways for young staff to join them from local communities and beyond. NHS Lothian are driving a new visionary culture for young staff, and the Edinburgh Guarantee has been an invaluable part of this journey.

Having supported and partnered with the Edinburgh Guarantee for almost a decade, they have provided opportunities for many young people to access the world of work. They actively inspire, interest and help grow ambition in young people aspiring to work in the sector. Over the years they have grown their learning and development opportunities which has led to real examples of success.

With the Edinburgh Guarantee’s support, they have delivered over 87 Modern Apprenticeships. This has been a central part of developing one of the largest NHS MA programmes in Scotland. They are also extremely proud of the longevity of their commitment to the Edinburgh Project SEARCH programme across their organisation in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, which has seen them offer 39 internships and employment outcomes to young people with a disability.

The Edinburgh Guarantee has been a vital part of their recruitment strategy by advertising various employability programmes including the Edinburgh Project SEARCH programme.  The Edinburgh Guarantee is recognised within the jobs market and has helped them to reach out to young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to attract candidates to apply to their programmes. 

There have been many success stories of young people joining NHS Lothian through this. On completion of the Edinburgh Project SEARCH programme, Paul Clapperton gained a Clerical Officer role within the Department of Clinical Oncology, NHS Lothian. Paul said:

“I left school in 2013, I found it hard to find work.  I had a few interviews but didn’t get offered any jobs because I didn’t have enough work experience.  I did some volunteering and had applied for different college courses but didn’t really feel like I was getting anywhere.  In 2017 I was volunteering but really wanted to gain employment, be financially independent and meet new people.”

Paul went on to be nominated by his manager as part of NHS Lothian’s Celebrating Success Awards.  Paul has been so successful in his role that he won ‘Staff Member of the Year’. This category honours the individual who really goes above and beyond in their day-to-day work.

“I was really surprised when I found out I have been nominated and then won Staff Member of the Year. My manager told me that he nominated me because I have overcome so much.”

Paul’s manager shared his thoughts on the experience “Paul’s work ethic is outstanding and nothing is too much trouble. He is always happy to try his hand at something new and is always smiling. His positivity is infectious and raises staff morale”.