Healthcare assistant from Bagthorpe to realise his dream of becoming a nurse thanks to support from his NHS employer

Liam Ball, from Bagthorpe, works in the emergency assessment unit at King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton, which is run by Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust.

The trust is working with training providers, including West Nottinghamshire College and Nottingham Trent University, to offer its staff a range of career development opportunities.

Liam, who has worked in healthcare for nine years and at the trust for two years, has taken advantage of in-house training opportunities, alongside studying towards functional skills qualifications in maths and English.

The 29-year-old said: “It’s hard juggling work with my studies, but the support from my team really keeps me going.

“The way the trust has supported me on my career journey is fantastic and I am so grateful. I’m excited to reach my final career goal of becoming a registered nurse.”

The trust offers both a level-five nurse associate apprenticeship and a level-six registered nurse degree apprenticeship in partnership with NTU, which Liam can apply for.

David Ainsworth, trust director of strategy and partnerships said: “As one of the biggest employers in the local area, I want to ensure members of the community are aware of the jobs available within the trust, as well as the many opportunities for progression.

“There really is no need to move away to study, so why not give your local hospital a try?

“There are many different job sectors at the trust which include admin, marketing, estates, housekeeping and research to name just a few; as well as a vast number of clinical roles.

“Many of the entry-level positions on offer can give potential applicants the perfect stepping stone to kick-start their career at the Trust.”

The opportunities on offer are all part of the trust’s plan to develop its workforce and give employees the tools to learn and progress while in their current roles.

Highlights include individual career clinics, in-house courses and a leadership academy.

If you are interested in joining the trust, check out the current vacancies at sfh-tr.nhs.uk