Health Matters: Entry level roles open many doors to NHS careers
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When I began my career within the NHS in 1984 as an assistant cook I had no idea the path it would lead me down, progressing throughout the years from assistant catering manager to catering manager and ultimately to my current position as facilities manager at Raigmore Hospital, writes Crawford Howat. It has been a long and rewarding journey with exciting opportunities ahead as I prepare to take on more responsibilities assisting facilities staff at the new National Treatment Centre (NTC) in Inverness.
Starting my career within the NHS has been a great experience with a lot of learnings along the way. As I’ve progressed, I’ve been supported with career development and was also enrolled onto college courses. This enabled me to complete my food hygiene course while employed with the NHS. As a result I am now qualified to lecture elementary food hygiene, which is something I am very proud of.
Every career journey is different and for myself, it was evident that there were clear routes for progression when I joined the NHS. Many of my colleagues who joined the facilities team started within an entry level role and are now supervisory or manager level. People without set experience may think they aren’t able to join the NHS, but entry-level roles are a perfect way to step in for school or college leavers, or for those looking for a career change.
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We have some great opportunities currently available within the facilities department for those looking to kickstart their career in the health service.
Facilities roles are varied, and people may not know what they actually are. To give some insight, they include, for example, jobs like support managers, domestic managers, assistants, accommodation, telecoms, portering and waste, mailroom, administration, and catering staff. The opportunities are varied and offer brilliant career development.
For me, there is immense job satisfaction within my role at the NHS and I know I am not alone when I say that. Knowing that the work you are doing is supporting the patients we see every day and making a difference, along with supporting staff and contributing to the greater good, is extremely rewarding.
As well as the opportunities for progression, knowing you are in a secure job with great terms and conditions is always reassuring, especially with the current climate in the UK. We have recently received a pay rise which now equates to above the living wage and receive a generous pension and holiday allowance.
For those interested in a career with the NHS, I would encourage them to apply for any role that appeals to them, whether that is catering, administration or domestic. The opportunities the NHS provides are great for those who want to build their experience and progress their career in a supportive environment.
NHS Highland is currently hiring for a variety of roles for the new National Treatment Centre in Inverness. These roles include domestic assistants, general porters, facilities supervisors and ward based catering assistants.
To keep up-to-date with the roles available visit https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk.
– Crawford Howat is facilities manager for Raigmore Hospital and NTC.
