Local NHS organisations have launched a new career scheme to support Armed Forces veterans back into work.
University Hospitals Tees’ new volunteer to career programme provides work experience and also dedicated training to help retired Armed Forces personnel into a role with the NHS.
It offers veterans a gradual route back into work and support in their transition into civilian life. It comes after the success of previous schemes across the hospital group which have seen a number of people take on new roles through volunteering-based career pathways.
The new scheme has been launched collaboratively by North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals trusts – collectively forming University Hospitals Tees – as well as with County Durham and Darlington and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys trusts, and volunteer charity Helpforce.
Supporting our local veterans
Sam Taylor is therapeutic care operational lead at South Tees Hospitals. She said: “We know veterans can be met with challenges that most of us will never face. That’s why it’s so important that we’re able to offer programmes such as this.
“This pathway provides a tailored approach to support not only veterans, but their spouses, children and loved ones as well, to gain experience in the NHS. It’s an opportunity for participants to see what it’s like working in the NHS and our individual organisations, to learn new skills and get one-to-one support in applying for health and care roles.”
Paul Wharton, head of volunteering at North Tees and Hartlepool, continued: “Our two trusts are very proud to hold the ‘Veteran Aware’ status to support those who have served for our country. This scheme, working with other NHS organisations in the area, is doing just that.
“We’ve held a number of veterans’ coffee mornings in the last year to nurture a local network and understand the support veterans want and need. We know there’s an appetite from the community to work in the NHS and now we’re honoured to be able to offer that opportunity to them.”
A route into your new career
The volunteer to career programme allows veterans to explore careers. It provides a direct route to work in the healthcare sector through career-based volunteering. They will also receive training to hone their skills and dedicated support for job applications and interviews.
The career pathway is open now to Armed Forces veterans and their families who:
- Are unsure if a career in healthcare is right for them and want to try it out
- Have been out of work for a length of time and need a gradual route back into work
- Have been turned down for roles in the NHS due to lack of experience
- Would like to gain confidence in a different working environment and transition into civilian life
- Would like to learn new skills, with new job prospects
For more information and to register your interest, please visit the County Durham and Darlington website.