Benenden Health welcomes trio of Operations Apprentices

The York-based healthcare provider welcomed three apprentices to support and learn from its business operation teams.

07 January 2025, by Megan Anderson.

York-based, affordable healthcare provider, Benenden Health, has announced an intake of Operations apprentices. The intake is a fixed-term partnership with York College, to bolster social mobility in the area and allow the three apprentices to learn as they earn.

Ceris Rhodes-Vaughan works in the People Services team, Mia Ellerby is gaining experience in the Operations department and Harrison Dean is supporting the Finance team. All three apprentices were welcomed in October 2024, and will work part-time at the Holgate-based healthcare provider until June 2025.

With the Government announcing a rise in tuition fees from 2025, the healthcare provider has taken action to support young professionals looking to advance their education, by offering alternatives that come without the burden of university debt. For Benenden Health's apprentices, they agree that earning while learning is more favourable to them.

Ceris Rhodes-Vaughan shared, “For me, apprenticeships are a no brainier because I earn a well-recognised qualification, at my own pace and I have the chance to earn an income at the same time.

“Working in the Holgate office also gives me business knowledge, an idea of office cultures and allows me to build my first working relationships!

“Benenden Health has always stuck out to me as I am so passionate about its values as a company; both on personal level as well as professionally.”

Mia Ellerby added, “I’ve always enjoyed helping others, so after doing some research I came across Benenden Health and noticed that its aim is to improve the nation’s health, I thought it would be a perfect fit for my apprenticeship.

“Since joining, I have realised that supportive mindset runs throughout the business too. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I’ve been able to see first-hand the levels of care and professionalism towards its membership has been really inspiring.

“I hope to continue to make a positive impact on team members in the Society and learn as much as I can in the remaining time I have left here.”

Harrison Dean shares about his love for the Health & Social Care sector, “I did Health & Social Care at College and completed work placements at various care homes across Yorkshire, so I have built a love for working in the sector. I feel a get a great sense of accomplishment from earning while I learn, but also helping those who need it makes it fulfilling too.

“I’m glad I chose Benenden Health, even though I don't live in York and wasn't familiar with the company before my apprenticeship, it's added to my healthcare experience, and everyone has been so welcoming. I hope I get a permanent role here, after I finish my college course.”

Benenden Health's Chief People Officer, Mike Hay, adds, “Apprenticeships not only benefit the apprentice, but the business too. By welcoming Ceris, Mia and Harrison to the team we not only gain three new perspectives, but we also have three new enthusiastic team members to support us and our membership.

“We hope all three of our apprentices make the most of their time with us, and we look forward to continuing the journey ourselves with new intakes in the future.”