Learning and development
Where are you going?
If we're going to provide the quality of treatment and care that we want to, we need a workforce with the right skills. And that's even more important to us than the great reputation we've earned for training and development, not to mention equality of access to career opportunities.
As soon as you join us, you'll attend a comprehensive induction programme and agree a personal, yearly development plan with your manager; this will cover your mandatory training requirements as well as both your personal and professional development needs. We're currently developing a careers advisory service to support staff further. And we have an impressive range of resources to help you follow that plan…
"As a student I found that my colleagues really helped me learn in a challenging but friendly environment. Since graduating I have been able to develop specialist knowledge and skills to help me to help my patients."
- Physiotherapist, Andre Nolan
Education Centre
Our purpose built Education Centre at Northwick Park and St Mark's features lecture theatres, tutorial rooms, a clinical skills centre, two computer-aided learning rooms and a Learning Resource Centre with library and IT facilities.
Clinical development
As one of the UK's largest hospitals, at Northwick Park we are extraordinary well-placed to develop clinical skills and careers. We positively encourage postgraduate study and research with an active programme of workshops and seminars – keeping you up to date with the latest clinical developments.
Non-clinical development
Our non-clinical staff receive excellent support from the Trust, working in partnership with our local further education college, giving you the chance – and the funding – to study for further qualifications. Whether you want to widen your knowledge, develop towards a supervisory role or even change your career altogether, it's all here for you.
The Trust is very aware that a strong customer-focused culture is essential, both in terms of quality of care and in terms of investing in an assured financial future. A module called ‘Can I help you!’ (Customer Care) is run for staff within the Trust and a range of staff groups have been encouraged to learn from good practice outside the NHS, sharing learning with their peers.
NVQs
The Trust also offers National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). The NVQs we offer fall in two categories, clinical and non-clinical, and are run through Harrow College:
Clinical:
- Level 2 & 3 Health and Social Care
Non-clinical:
- Level 2 Porters
- Level 2 & 3 Customer Service
- Level 2 & 3 Business Administration
- Level 2 Team Leading
And this is just a taste of what we can offer at The North West London Hospitals NHS Trust; find more about NHS training and development.