Airedale Hospital's apprenticeship programme has received high praise in an Ofsted report.

The programme, which offers places in business administration and healthcare to 16 to 18-year-olds, achieved a glowing assessment.

It was praised for its success rates, standard of teaching and support and career opportunities.

Inspectors also paid tribute to working standards and commended the team on providing good career opportunities, ensuring most young learners moved into higher education - with a success rate 12 per cent above the national average.

Accolades were also given for the wide and interesting variety of placements on offer throughout the hospital, with the bonus of learners being able to take part in outdoor activities and running an annual fundraising event for charity.

The scheme was judged "outstanding" in promoting safe working practices.

The hospital offers trainees hands-on experience and placements in ward and department areas within the site and in the community.

Other strengths identified by Ofsted included good management of provision and very effective quality improvement.

Trainees told the inspectors that they enjoyed being part of the team on wards, being treated as adults, good support from the work-based learning team and interacting with patients.

Currently Airedale NHS Trust has 37 learners on apprenticeship programmes - 26 taking the healthcare training option and 11 business administration.

The healthcare learners attend Craven College for the national diploma in health, completed while they are on the advanced apprenticeship. The qualification takes around two years to complete and is on a day release basis.

Sharon Ray, work-based learning manager of Airedale NHS Trust, said: "We are a major local employer and we feel that we have a real responsibility to provide valuable career opportunities for those who want alternatives to traditional sixth-form studies.

An information evening for people interested in this year's trainee course is being held in the board room at the Education Centre, Airedale Hospital, next Wednesday. The event starts at 7pm prompt and will finish at about 8.30pm. For more information phone 01535 294875 or e-mail vocational.training@anhst.nhs.uk