Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) has created a new apprenticeship, the first of its kind for the organisation.
NTW Solutions Limited, a subsidiary company of CNTW, has taken on two apprentices in a porter role.
Jordan Carrielies and Jordan Tyson will share the job, with one doing a morning shift and the other doing the afternoon shift. Both have previously been on placements within the Trust as students on the Project Choice programme.
Project Choice works with young adults with a learning disability, disability, mental health issue or autism gain work experience and improve their employability and independence. Now in its third year at CNTW and NTW Solutions Limited, the programme provides internships within healthcare settings and other NHS partner organisations, helping to get people ready for the working world. Not only does Project Choice have a profound impact on students, it’s meaningful for their whole families.
After their first month in the job, Jordan Carrielies said: “I like to learn the job along the way which is what this job allows. I have been able to get to know the different sites so I’m working in different places and meeting new people. I’m really enjoying it and got my first pay last week.”
Jordan Tyson added: “I love working here, it’s amazing.”
The apprenticeship is part time for two years and both are paid the national apprenticeship wage. They have said they hope to go into further employment within the Trust once the apprenticeship is finished.
Gayl Keddie, Project Choice Area Manager at CNTW, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer employment to our former students.
“The job will enable Jordan and Jordan to build on the skills they have gained on the Project Choice programme. Many of our students learn in different ways so doing an apprenticeship means they are in a supportive environment where they are encouraged to develop.
“We hope this apprenticeship will allow them to grow and learn and believe in what they can achieve.”
Victoria Bullerwell, Head of Workforce and OD at NTW Solutions Limited, said: ““We are delighted to have Jordan and Jordan as members of our workforce and look forward to watching them grow from strength to strength in their roles as porters over the coming months and years.
“When I first met them on placement over 18 months ago they told me it was their dream to become porters and as an HR professional I must say how proud I feel to play a part in making young peoples’ career aspirations come true. As a company we have warmly welcomed them to our great team of porters who provide a valued service to our hospitals.”
CNTW is a leading provider of mental health and disability services in North East and north Cumbria.