Janine
This week (February 6-10) marks the start of National Apprenticeship week, where employers, charities, and students come together to celebrate the opportunities available across Leeds.
One woman from Harehills has shared her story of taking part in an apprenticeship with the Sue Ryder hospice in the hopes of inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Harriet Charles, 28, took on a property maintenance apprenticeship at the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley to fulfill her long-held ambition to work in the property sector.
She said: “The opportunity really stood out to me as, unlike other trainee jobs, I will come out of this with an official qualification. Having a qualification is a requirement for most jobs now so this will put me in a really good position and I’m also able to earn while I learn.”
As part of the apprenticeship, Harriet works four days a week at the hospice and one day at Leeds College of Building and blends on-the-job work with studying.
The programme is split into blocks, which will see her cover areas such as electricity, health and safety, painting & decorating, bricklaying, and joinery.
Harriet added that the support she received from Sue Ryder was invaluable and helped her to learn new skills.
The Wheatfields Hospice offers palliative care and support for people who are living with a life-limiting condition, as well as supporting their families. It offers community services for people who prefer to receive palliative care at home.
Quentin Whitaker, Head of Operations at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said: “We were delighted to be able to introduce this apprenticeship, which gives learners the opportunity to earn a wage and develop a career alongside studying, putting their learning into practice straight away.
“Harriet has very quickly become a valued member of the hospice’s support services team, who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth daily running of the hospice facilities so we can provide our expert and compassionate palliative care.”
By Janine Griffiths
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