Widening Participation

Derek Joined the Pre-Employment programme in January 2022. He initially completed his college component at The Manchester College, during which time he completed his MFT mandatory training in preparation for his five-week placement.

After working in the Domestic Services Team at Trafford hospital, Derek decided that the three buses he had to take to and from work was too much and he decided to withdraw from placement. When the Facilities Team became aware of this, they spoke to Derek and offered him a role at Withington Hospital; closer to his home, to allow him to complete the last four weeks of the placement.

Derek was grateful for the change and brought his hard-working attitude to the new team, which was quickly noticed by his colleagues, offering him a permanent place with them just six weeks into his placement!

He is currently working in a domestic role cleaning both office and clinical areas including a hospital entrance – a showpiece area of the Trust as it’s the first thing patients and visitors see as they arrive.  He ensures all mask and hand gel units are stocked up at the entrance to the hospital too – another really important role!

Derek will shortly be rotating into a catering and portering role, demonstrating his ability to multitask.

What’s next for Derek 

“I now understand and respect the role I play, incorporating the physical work and the importance of cleanliness and prevention of cross contamination.

Working at MFT has built up my confidence, allowed me to do what I enjoy and given me the opportunity to pursue my level 2 studies in counselling.   My salary will help to pay for the course fees too!  I do my job with pride and I’m excited to see where it takes me because I’m a grafter.”

Kerry Hill, Facilities Manager TWA

“This is the first time we’ve used this service and what a result. Derek did originally start with us at Trafford, but he really struggled getting there as it required three buses, but luckily, we could easily move him to Withington Hospital.  Within the first week he fitted in well and Team Leader ‘Nathan’ was very pleased with his work ethic.  The process was very simple and gave this enabled Derek to see first-hand what exactly what’s’ involved in the role of a Facilities Assistant within the NHS.  This worked out really well for both Derek and my team.”

Omar took part in the MFT pre-employment programme which supports local people who are unemployed and aims to move them into work with the Trust. The programme involves a two to four week training programme to develop employability skills with the Manchester College, followed by a five-week work placement with the Paediatric Research Team within Research and Innovation.

Following this programme, Omar undertook a 6-month paid placement as part of the Government ‘Kickstart’ scheme where he was able to further build and demonstrate his skills and experience. Upon successful completion of the ‘Kickstart’ placement, Omar was promoted to a more senior role.

Omar’s achievements were recognised in the 2022 Manchester Adult Education and Skills Plan Awards, where he won the ‘Learning for work’ award!

Pavandeep Jittla – Clinical Trials Manager

“Omar joined the team with no prior research knowledge and has since progressed exceptionally. After a successful initial five-week placement, during which Omar demonstrated his enthusiasm, positive attitude, and aptitude to learn, we decided to keep Omar in the team for another six months. During this time, Omar has been vital in maintaining our portfolio of Rheumatology research. He’s exceptionally hard-working and determined; he’s since cleared a backlog of two years’ worth of outstanding data and multifaceted queries, displaying excellent communication skills and team working to resolve these alongside clinical members of staff. For this, Omar was awarded the ‘Star of the Month’ award for his significant contribution and progress made in this area.

Omar has learnt new skills very quickly and the team have been impressed by his level of detail and accuracy in all his work. Omar shows great initiative; he has excellent IT skills and has developed complex Excel trackers which are now used across the team to track important data.

On a personal level, Omar is unfailingly reliable and helpful. He is also always very friendly, courteous, and diplomatic with a high level of understanding, considering his short time with the team. The Paediatric Research Team at MFT consider Omar to be an absolute asset, who always goes the extra mile and shows creative innovation. Due to Omar’s outstanding efforts and contribution, we have since offered him a one-year fixed term contract at the Trust and look forward to seeing him develop further.”

What’s next for Omar

“During Covid I found it difficult to get a job. My DWP work coach sent me details of a job that was based at MFT, so I decided to apply and got in touch, expressing my interest in the role.

Since that, I’m now working full time with the Paediatric Research Team in a permanent role and aiming to progress further into a more senior position!  I had no previous job experience but thanks to the support and encouragement of the ‘Kickstart’ team, my managers and my colleagues, I’m developing well.

Everyone has always been positive towards me, and I’ve been able to gain skills and qualities needed in my admin role which have allowed me to make a positive impact within my team. I am currently being supported to develop my skills within research and hope they can help further my career.  Thanks to the ‘Kickstart team’ for this opportunity.”

Hafsah was one of nine people that took part in the Supported Interns programme at our Oxford Road Campus.

Having already gained work experience on previous programme, Hafsah was able to take her career to the next level thanks to the placements she took via the Internship Programme. After working across various departments within MFT, she quickly decided the Dental Hospital suited her best and was where she could see herself progressing her career.

With a key eye for detail Hafsah, has become a trusted and key part of the administration team at the Dental Hospital. Working within a supportive team has allowed her to gain confidence and improve her communication skills. Hafsah is now much more comfortable talking to patients as well as her colleagues and she always looks forward to coming to work.

What’s next for Hafsah ?

Hafsah successfully gained employment at MFT working in the Dental Hospital where she now works full time in and administrative role. She’s excited about her future career in healthcare and is saving to buy a house.

Jodie Booth – Curriculum Manager – The Manchester College

“The transformation that we’ve seen in Hafsah since her year on the Supported Internship has been incredible. The opportunities that Hafsah had on her placements really supported her to develop her work skills, confidence, and self-esteem. Hafsah is a fantastic role model to other young people. She’s clearly a valued member of the team and I’m sure she’ll continue to develop her skills and be an asset to MFT.”

James was part of a group of 10 interns who recently completed the ‘Supported Internship’ Programme hosted at Wythenshawe Hospital. Working across numerous departments whilst undertaking different roles, James used the academic year to gain a key insight into what working at MFT is like, whilst enhancing his employment skills.

The internship, which is delivered in partnership between MFT, Pure Innovations and The Manchester College was a perfect alternative for James who has autism, rather than pursuing further education. Whilst being with MFT, James has enjoyed a tailored approach to his development and has found he thrives when working with older patients and those who may be showing signs of dementia.

Being a good listener, James has enjoyed getting to know the patients through the stories they recount, and in turn he’s sure to let them know he was born ‘exactly here’ – in Wythenshawe Hospital!

James credits his time on the programme with helping to raise his self-esteem, leaving him feeling less anxious and more confident about his abilities.

What’s next for James?

James has successfully gained employment with the Autistic Society for Greater Manchester where he will be working as a Support Worker with younger people. He began his role in late 2018 whilst completing his internship.

Outside of work, he’s never been one to shy away from a challenge and plans to climb Mount Snowdon when he gets a chance.

Lisa Crank – Pure Innovations Employment Officer

“We’ve seen a huge change in James since he started the ‘Supported Internship’. He’s grown in confidence, become more relaxed within his placement as an Activities Coordinator and developed excellent relationships with the patients and staff on the complex health wards. James has a bright future ahead as a support worker at ASGMA – Autistic Society for the Greater Manchester.”