Nine young adults from across East Lancashire have graduated with honours from the latest ‘Get Into Hospital’ work opportunity programme, run by The Prince’s Trust in partnership with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT).
The four-week ‘Get Into Hospital’ programme gave the group valuable work experience in finance, catering, patient services and laundry services at Burnley and Royal Blackburn teaching hospitals to equip them with skills and experience that will help them gain employment.
The High Sheriff of Lancashire, The Hon Ralph Christopher Assheton TD DL joined ELHT Acting Chief Executive Professor Damian Riley to present students with certificates at a special graduation ceremony at the hospital.
Graduating from the latest ‘Get Into Hospitals’ programme are Bethany Almond, Billie-Jo Brennan, Declan Hawthornthwaite, Leanne Howard, Austin Lord, James Mitchell, Zalaika Ramzan and Sarah Vale.
“Today I attended a celebration of achievement event organised by The Prince’s Trust ‘Get into Hospitals’ services, in partnership with East Lancashire Hospitals,” said Mr Assheton.
”I was completely inspired by the young people who spoke individually in front of a large audience about their experience at the Trust and the difference it has made to their employment chances and getting shift work via the hospital's staff bank.”
“It was evident that staff at East Lancashire Hospitals played a significant part in supporting the young people during their 4-week placements.”
The latest ‘Get Into Hospitals’ programme is the fourth to be completed and means 41 young people have graduated, nine with permanent jobs at East Lancashire Hospitals and a further 30 earning from shift work on the Trust’s Staff Bank.
Suzanne Lang, who co-ordinated the course for East Lancashire Hospitals, said: 'We are really proud of the young people - they have shown commitment, hard work and strength of character.
"We support each person throughout the 'Get Into Hospital' Programme and look forward to continuing our relationship with The Prince's Trust to support more young people into permanent employment at East Lancashire Hospitals."
“This programme has boosted my confidence, improved my skills and l’m looking forward to working at the hospital,” commented one graduate. “Thanks to the Prince’s Trust and ELHT for giving me this opportunity.”
Staff at The Princes Trust and ELHT are now working on the next ‘Get Into Hospitals’ programme which is scheduled to begin in November this year with details of how to apply due for release in September.
