There are many roles in the NHS, but being able to ‘try before you buy’ is something not many people have the opportunity to do when it comes to a job.
But for Harriet Aitchison, that’s exactly what she did when she got a place on the Training Academy at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).
Harriet Aitchison, photo credit: Richard Weller-Poley photography
“I was an equine groomer and chef before,” said Harriet who took up a place on the training scheme and is now on the road to becoming a radiographer. “My grandmother was a radiographer and my sister is a Macmillan nurse at Ipswich Hospital but I hadn’t worked in healthcare before.”
It was her sister who saw a poster advertising the Training Academy at Ipswich Hospital and suggested Harriet looked into it.
Harriet Aitchison (right) with chef Maria Elia (left)
Harriet added: “I was working as a chef in a pub, as well as an equine groomer, and riding horses for people, but I was taking a break as wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I thought why not explore the idea of the NHS.”
The 35-year-old said what appealed to her about the Training Academy was the opportunity to work across a range of areas before needing to commit to one area.
She said: “Having done nothing medical before, I wanted to experience and see all the different departments. If I’d have thought before what area would I want to work in I would’ve said radiography, but now I’m drawn more to MRIs and plain-film x-rays.”
The academy offers people the opportunity of training and a guaranteed job interview within ESNEFT, predominantly in the areas of diagnosing conditions, such as heart monitoring in cardiorespiratory, bowel screening and x-rays within medical imaging or taking blood samples in phlebotomy.
There are also opportunities in non-clinical areas such as clerical work too with part of the training involving rotational placements across the Trust’s hospitals.
Harriet started at ESNEFT’s Training Academy in September and had two weeks of masterclasses and then several weeks working in a variety of areas. She was still able to work as a chef part of the time.
She said: “I applied for a role as an apprentice assistant practitioner in diagnostic imaging and got it! I’m really enjoying it and will continue studying for my foundation degree which I should complete by May 2026.”
There is a variety of career development opportunities available at ESNEFT:
- Like Harriet’s role as an apprentice, you can find out more about apprenticeship opportunities on the ESNEFT website.
- Short-term work experience placements are available. Email workexperience@esneft.nhs.uk
- You can also email our Talent For Care team talentforcare@esneft.nhs.uk to find out more about the opportunities at ESNEFT or to ask any questions about NHS careers.
- Job opportunities at ESNEFT are listed on the NHS job page.
Featured image photo credit: Richard Weller-Poley photography
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