SKILLS
Apprenticeship success for Jill
Jill Cliff , PA clinical administrator in pain management at North Tees University Hospital , with a learner of the year award during a NHS apprenticeship celebration at Stockton Riverside College last year .
Jill Cliff was just months into her new role when she was given the chance to study an apprenticeship .
Having worked in recruitment for many years , the mum-of-two had moved into a clerical administration role at the North Tees University Hospital .
Offered the opportunity to upskill with an apprenticeship in medical administration , she says : “ I thought in for a penny , in for a pound ! In my career I have always wanted to do something that feels like I am helping .”
And working for the NHS through a pandemic she ’ s definitely had the chance to do that .
Looking back at the challenges of the last year , she explains : “ I felt proud to be part of something that made a massive impact at such a crucial time .”
Jill completed her level 2 qualification in 2019 and started her level 3 later that year . Despite the hectic workload , she hasn ’ t let her studies slip .
Working with a number of delivery partners , the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust believes in the value of apprenticeships , both for new starters and existing staff .
For Jill , whose apprenticeships have been delivered by Stockton Riverside College , it led to a promotion . Now a PA clinical administrator in pain management , she reflects : “ Without the courses I don ’ t think I would have had the knowledge or confidence to go for that .”
Gary Wright , deputy chief people officer at the trust , says : “ It ’ s great to hear stories like Jill ’ s and see the positive impact an apprenticeship has had . The trust is proud of our apprenticeship scheme , we want to develop our workforce of the future and help maximise people ’ s potential . By offering the opportunity for continuous professional development it enables us to make sure we have got the right people , with the right skills in the right roles .”
Top marks for Mobile Mini apprentices
A
straight run of distinctions for eight apprentices shows that when it comes to investing in their staff , Mobile Mini are hitting the mark .
The portable storage company believes in developing its team and for them , results have been top class . Among those to excel on the level 3 Team Leader and Supervisor Apprenticeship , delivered by Stockton Riverside College , was Natalie Turner , 38 , a senior purchase ledger clerk who has been with the company for 16 years .
“ I think some people were surprised when I said I was doing an apprenticeship because I have worked at the company for so long ,” she says . “ To be given this chance shows they are still willing to invest in me .”
Laura Hales , 31 , has been with the company for 10 years . She explains : “ When I was offered this chance I jumped at it . To feel you can develop and be offered courses after 10 years shows the company cares about the people that work here .” For her it resulted in a promotion to a
National Sales Centre team leader role .
Chris Fay , head of sales and marketing at Mobile Mini , says : “ We firmly believe that people are our most valuable asset . The introduction of the team leader apprenticeship course is a fantastic way to ensure we continue to build a diverse talent pipeline , developing our staff through the introduction of new skills across the organisation .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 111