North Lincolnshire Trust congratulates its first IT apprentices

George Turner, 18, and Chad Guilliatt, 22, have successfully gained two level three diplomas each in IT Systems and Principles and IT Professional Competence through QA Apprenticeships.

The pair are the first apprentices to have been employed within Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust’s IT department, working across three areas:

· Service desk

· Technical support

· Networking

Chad said: “I have always been interested in computers and at college I did a diploma and extended diploma in IT.

“When I heard about the opportunity to do an IT apprenticeship at the Trust I could not turn it down. I have gained a lot more knowledge and hands on experience which will benefit me in future careers.

“It is a privilege to be one of the first to complete this course and I am very grateful to the Trust for giving me the opportunity.”

The apprenticeship was made up of practical working at the Trust and academic studies in Leeds.

George said: “It has been good to get an insight into all aspects of the IT department. I believe it has helped me to develop my communication skills such as the way I talk and deal with staff members, particularly when working with the service desk team and answering calls on a regular basis.”

“The technical support area was great for gaining useful skills in problem solving, which can also be added to everyday tasks outside of work.

“I have worked Trustwide as part of the apprenticeship which has allowed me to mix with a variety of people. Colleagues have been really friendly and supportive and I hope to stay working with the Trust in the near future.”

Stephen Mattern, IT operations manager at the Trust, said: “This has been a very useful and interesting experience for the department. It is the first time we have supported apprentices and I am pleased with how it has gone in terms of the Trust’s benefit and the benefit of both individuals involved.

“We will analysis the scheme and how it worked within our department, gain feedback from all areas and decide if there would be room for future placements.”