NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is reminding people of the wide range of careers available in health care, after a young college student spent a week learning the ropes in Medical Equipment Management at Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock.
The work experience week was part of a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) being undertaken by Jacob Milford, 17, from Bishopton in Renfrewshire, and it was the first time a placement of this type has been hosted within Medical Equipment Management at NHSGGC.
Jacob is an S6 pupil at Park Mains High School in Erskine, and he chose the FA in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering as one of his subjects in S5. He attends West College Scotland in Paisley four half-days a week to study for the apprenticeship, which includes a requirement for a week’s work placement.
Jacob explained how he ended up at the IRH: “One of the managers at NHSGGC came to our college to talk about this apprenticeship and work placement.
“I found the visit fascinating, and I must have done something right, because afterwards he requested that I take part in the placement.”
During his time at the IRH, Jacob was given hands-on experience of the work the Medical Equipment Management team does, maintaining vital equipment and making sure it is ready to help in the care of patients across the health board.
He saw how operating theatre equipment including infusion pumps and vital signs monitors were kept in tip-top condition, but his highlight of the week was helping to maintain a defibrillator.
“I found the whole week really interesting, but one of the most memorable parts was working on the defibrillator.”
He said that the practical nature of the FA suited his learning style and that the IRH placement added to that.
“It has taken my interest one step further,” he said. “It was great to learn on the job like this, and I’d like to thank everyone at the IRH for making me so welcome and teaching me so much.”
David Ness, Clinical Technologist at the IRH and one of the team who looked after Jacob during his visit, said: “We’re delighted that Jacob got so much out of his time with us. His willingness to learn was a breath of fresh air for us, and we all wish him well for his future career choices. Who knows, we might see him back as a member of the team!”
Mark Prentice, Technical Manager for Medical Physics at NHSGGC, was the staff member who attended West College and spotted Jacob. He said: “This has been our first Foundation Apprenticeship placement, and given its success we hope it won’t be our last.
“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde offers a range of excellent career opportunities, and the routes into work vary almost as much as the jobs available. We are always looking for opportunities to go into out the community and to promote the benefits of working with NHSGGC, particularly among young people who may be looking for information on their next moves.”
Jacob chose his Foundation Apprenticeship in much the same way he could choose any S6 subject at school, and once completed it will count as the equivalent of a Higher for entry to university, college or further vocational training.
Mr Prentice continued: “NHSGGC has a range of work and training opportunities for young people, with programmes such as Modern Apprenticeships and work experience placements offering routes into a diverse range of professions.
“As well as being valuable as part of Jacob’s school curriculum, his placement and the experience he gained could offer him an important additional route into a Modern Apprenticeship or similar position with us.
“We would encourage any young person who is looking for a challenging, rewarding career, to speak to their career adviser at school or college and investigate the many opportunities on offer at NHSGGC.”
And that’s a sentiment that Jacob heartily agrees with. “If one of my friends asked me if a placement at NHSGGC was worth it I’d say ‘Definitely – go for it!’
“Spending a week here has really opened my eyes to all the careers in the health board. It’s definitely something I’ll be looking at when I finish school.”
For more information on career opportunities at NHSGGC, go to: NHSGGC – Careers with NHSGGC
