Charles – FELS

On the course we did one term at college and then a placement at Frimley Park Hospital for three days a week. I was supported in my placement by a Job Coach who showed me the different equipment and how to move patients. I also had a mentor who gave me training and a tutor from the College who visited me at work.

After a few weeks of training we were told to go off and work on our own. I was nervous at first but now I feel confident. I really enjoy walking around the hospital, seeing new equipment and chatting with the patients.

At college there were a small number of students in the classes which was good. I got to know my classmates well and still speak to most of them still now. If you have any worries you can ask the teachers any questions and they give lots of support.

I wasn’t sure what career I wanted to go into when I first joined the course, but after discussions with my tutors and doing the placement I found this job was a good fit for me.

Earlier this year I was invited to the NHS Apprenticeship Conference with the Lead Porter from Frimley Park Hospital and the head of the course at Farnborough, where I spoke in front of an audience about the internship and how well it worked.