THE BEST DECISION she’s ever made was how Tiegan Halligan described her choice to leave sixth form college and join a traineeship at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (SWBH).
Tiegan (from West Bromwich), who has just turned 18, was accepted to undertake her apprenticeship at SWBH following her successful traineeship at the Trust.
She explained: “In January this year, I decided to leave my sixth form school as I felt the environment was not suitable for me and I would like to do something different to help develop my interest in health and social care.
“When I left school, I was planning to go to Sandwell College in September later in the year. Because I left school in February, I looked for something to do so I would not waste half of the year. When I was looking for a traineeship on the college’s website I found the programme at the Trust and decided to apply for it.
“The Learning and Development Team at the Trust quickly responded to me. I had an interview within two weeks after submitting my application.
“I have never looked back. The traineeship was the best decision that I have made. At the beginning, I was not used to all the medical terms and it took me time to learn them.
“The staff were wonderful as they showed me carefully what I needed to do. At first, I did administration work, and then I was trained in how to make beds and bring food to the patients’ tables.
“Because of the knowledge that I gained from the staff, I became much more confident working on the ward and felt much more useful. I was encouraged to chat with patients and help them with drinks. When the patients were discharged, I asked them to fill out the survey so the team can improve their services.
“I absolutely love working at the hospital. I have got to meet so many people from different walks of life. No two days are the same at this place. It is such an active environment that keeps me busy.
“One of the challenges I had to overcome when working with some patients, was the language barrier, as they do not all speak English. But I just had to be very patient and friendly to make sure I gave everyone the best help that I could.
“I would encourage young pupils to undertake the traineeship as it is a good introduction to healthcare services. You get the opportunity to learn what it is like working in an acute hospital. I am sure it will help young people to better understand what they want for their future.
“After the traineeship, I decided to apply for an apprenticeship, which will last for 12 months. With this scheme, I will receive more training and be able to do more work that can help patients.
“In the future, I would like to go to university to do nurse training. I would like to become a nurse and make a positive difference to patients’ lives.”
James Pollitt, Associate Director of Education, Learning and Development at the Trust, added: “Traineeships are an important part of the recruitment process that ensures we get the right people, with the right attitudes and behaviours into employment within our Trust.
“The traineeship gives young people with the opportunity to sample what it is like to work in a particular area or profession and for them to adjust to challenges that working life brings. It also gives the service manager the opportunity to get to know some of their potential employees or apprentices.”