A therapy worker who got his healthcare career kick-started through an apprenticeship has backed a regional careers campaign.
Tom Reynolds has worked at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust for four years.
Having initially been introduced to the organisation by his mother who is a physiotherapist, he started a role as a therapy assistant.
Tom, who is 22 and lives in Darlington, heard about an opportunity to start an apprenticeship to train as a physiotherapist – meaning he could do the qualification while continuing to work at the Trust.
Tom said: “When I finished college I didn’t know what to do from there – my mother is a physio at North Tees and Hartlepool and she suggested about working as in a support worker role.
“I worked as a specialised therapy assistant, working alongside a therapist on the wards – gathering patients’ details to help with their care.
“I was surprised how much responsibility I was given – with supervision from experienced members of the team, I was able to do things such as helping patients with their exercises.
“I really enjoyed the role. It was my stepping stone into healthcare and helped me realise what I wanted to do with my career.”
Find your future in the Tees Valley
Tom is sharing his experience as part of a campaign involving NHS trusts and local authorities across the Tees Valley to promote health and social care careers across the region.
Explaining the benefits that the apprenticeship has brought, Tom said: “I knew that a full time university course was not the way forward for me.
“This was an opportunity for me to continue working and doing something I enjoy as well as the financial advantages it has.
“I have been here four years now and consider myself quite an experienced member of the team.
“I was 18 when I started working here – I have grown personally and professionally. I am confident at looking after the patients I treat.”
To find out more visit the official webpage.