Job Title
Careers Development Facilitator
Where are you based?
At home
Is your role clinical or non-clinical?
Non-clinical
When you were at school, did you want to join the NHS?
No, I wanted to be a Beauty Therapist
What qualifications did you have when you joined the NHS?
GCSEs and a degree
How did you come to work in the NHS?
I left school after passing all but my Maths GCSEs and then went on to train as a Beauty Therapist gaining both NVQ 2 & 3, I just wanted to help people feel better. Whilst I was working as a Beauty Therapist a teaching job became available at my local college which I applied for and was successful in getting, it was then that I fell in love with Learning, Education & Development. I worked at the college for 10 years gaining my Certificate in Education along with lots of other qualifications. I then went on to become a Learning & Development Manager for a private company, which meant I could support employees with their development whilst helping the business to grow. During my 5 years there I completed my Level 3 & 5 CIPD in Learning & Development and worked with local schools and colleges to support their students with employability skills, but after being made redundant following the pandemic I wanted to give something back and this was when I knew the NHS was for me.
The role of Career and Work Experience Co-ordinator was advertised, and I was so excited to see it I knew it was a job that I would love doing and that lots of the skills I already had would be transferable to this role, I applied and was successful. During my time here I have worked hard to define the role and show what other support I can offer and am now the Careers Development Facilitator here at the Isle of Wight Trust.
Briefly explain your job
A typical day can vary from supporting our staff with career coaching, to understanding how they can progress in their careers and offering advice and guidance on how to complete a good application form or prepare for an interview. I can also attend schools or colleges alongside colleagues from across the Trust, to engage with learners to show what opportunities are available to them in the future. I am also lucky to be involved in projects which help us identify new ways of working to recognise future talent both within the existing staff and within the community, this will involve working with other organisations across not only the Island but the UK. Every day is different, every day is challenging, and every day feels like you are making a difference.
What do you love about your job?
Helping people, that can be those looking to start their career journeys with the NHS and not knowing where to look or how to start the process, or those already with us looking for the next thing. Watching people grow and develop is very rewarding and being part of their journey is a real privilege.
What is challenging about your role?
My role spans across the entire trust for those working here and those not already working here, so sometimes there is a lot on! It’s about prioritising and understanding what’s important and what will have the biggest impact. How can I support the Trust best to get the best outcome, I often refer back to our strategies to keep me on the right track.
Is there career progression in your role and how would you get there?
Yes, I have several options to look at regarding career progression, this could be to remain within the education team and progress within this area, or I could look to move toward the Organisational Development team or Human Resources, all of which would require further studies in those specific areas.
What would you say to a young person thinking of joining the NHS?
It is a fantastic place to work, very much a family feel, and whilst it is hard work it is very rewarding. There are so many career opportunities along with growth and development as you go, this really is a great place to work.