APPRENTICES from the Great Western Hospital helped bridge the generation gap this week by helping pensioners relive the glory days of their youth.

The monthly Golden Oldies group saw six apprentices join the older people, at the Coleview Community Centre on Thursday, for a chinwag, sing-song and well-earned cuppa.

The get together gives older people the chance to socialise, stay connected with friends and have a sing-song to some of their old-time classic favourites including Cliff Richard.

Golden Oldies session leader Alison Dawn said the visit by the hospital apprentices was a resounding success.

“Both generations integrated really well and the older people who come along to that session in particular are much more able bodied than others. But these sort of sessions, especially the ones I run in sheltered accommodation are a bit of a lifeline to people who don’t get out much.

“The apprentices joined in with everything from singing and dancing and we ended the session on a real high which was lovely.”

The idea behind the get together came from Alison’s daughter Fran Whittock, 20 who is an apprentice working in the Sexual Health Department at GWH.

Apprenticeships have become a popular entry route into the NHS in recent years, with more than 100 school and college leavers joining the wide range of teams at GWH since 2014.

Speaking about her daughter, Alison added: “Fran has come along with me over the years to these sessions and so she is used to spending time with older people.

“With the other apprentices coming along, I could see that by the end of the session, they felt differently towards the elderly people because they realised they are fun and cheeky. It was wonderful to see that and hopefully there is the possibility that they can come back.”

Apprenticeships at GWH are available in both clinical and non-clinical areas, such as finance, human resources and sexual health.

Time is split between classroom and workplace with both environments contributing core skills and experiences.

Apprentices receive a free bus pass to cover travel costs, a £500 completion bursary and the option to apply for a permanent role with the Trust at the end of the course.

For more information on becoming an NHS apprentice, visit www.gwh.nhs.uk/working-for-us.