Apprenticeships - Skills for Life
8 February 2023
We're sharing the stories of apprentices working in Estates and Facilities as part of National Apprenticeship Week and celebrating the positive impact they have.
Alex Green
Alex is an Apprentice Maintenance Electrical Craftsmen and is coming to the end of his electrical apprenticeship. He works at the St James's site carrying out electrical maintenance and installation works.
"I really enjoy that every day is different, from installing emergency lighting to upgrading LED lights and sockets. I recently worked on the new maternity theatres, and I can see how my work will benefit staff and patients. My manager Andy Bennett, Estates Officer, supported me with my portfolio, which includes all aspects of electrical work that is required in the role. I hope to step up to the next level in the coming months."
Jemma Robinson
Jemma is a Facilities Operational Manager and is working towards the Chartered Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
After working as a Management Accountant for several years, Jemma began her career in Facilities in 2017. She secured a secondment, working as an Assistant Facilities Manager and felt she needed to secure a qualification to support her new responsibilities.
"When I reflect on how I have developed throughout my apprenticeship degree, I feel very proud. I am now nearing the end of the apprenticeship and have already secured my degree in management and leadership, which is something I would never have imagined before beginning my career at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. Completing my degree apprenticeship has supported my career and helped me apply the knowledge gained to real life situations in my operational management and leadership role."
Emma Carnan
Emma has recently progressed from a Facilities Supervisor to an Assistant Facilities Manager and is working towards the Level 3 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship.
When she started the apprenticeship, she supervised a team of 150+ housekeepers and was relatively new to the NHS. Emma was keen to progress into a management role, and the apprenticeship gave her an ideal opportunity to develop new skills.
"The course has had a positive impact on my professional and personal life! It's given me confidence in many different situations and pushes me outside of my comfort zone. I haven't done any academic learning for at least ten years, and I wasn't sure how I would do, but I have surprised myself with how much I've enjoyed it! For anyone thinking about doing this apprenticeship, I would say go for it!"
Chris Howard
Chris initially started as a volunteer and enjoyed supporting the Gardening Team, so he was delighted when an apprenticeship opportunity became available, and he is now working towards a Chris initially started as a volunteer and enjoyed supporting the Gardening Team, so he was delighted when an apprenticeship opportunity became available, and he is now working towards a a Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship.
Chris said, "Doing an apprenticeship is ideal as you get paid for working and learning, and I've gained more confidence and made new friends. It has made a huge difference to me as I have a chance to succeed in a career in horticulture. From a work point of view, I play a part in helping to keep the grounds looking good which supports the wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff."
Leanne Wardhaugh
Leanne is a Ward Housekeeper and is looking for a new challenge and to progress, so she signed up for the Level 2 Healthcare Operative Apprenticeship.
"My job is to ensure the wards are clean and safe for patients, ensuring they receive a healthy meal and nutrition to help their recovery. I enjoy helping patients and getting to know them. I want to progress in the future, as I feel I have more to give and would enjoy a new role.
I would recommend the apprenticeship to anyone looking to start a new career within the NHS, I have really enjoyed learning and received plenty of support throughout."
Suky Panesar
Suky is an Assistant Facilities Manager overseeing catering, cleaning, portering, receptions and rapid response services. She signed up for the Level 5 Management and Leadership Apprenticeship to secure a formal qualification and to learn how to become a better leader.
"The best thing about this apprenticeship is that it is work-based learning, so you can study towards your qualification whilst working. The tutors are very supportive, and I already have a better understanding of the skills needed to work in a management role".
