Apprentice joins Sheffield Health and Social Care Trust
February 2010 by Kate LahiveA YOUNG Sheffield health worker has been inspired to take up a career in the NHS after helping to care for her disabled sister.
Taylor Sowden-Hudson, aged 18, is one of the newest recruits to Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust’s ( SHSC) http://www.sct.nhs.uk/ apprentice scheme, which is giving her a year’s grounding in how to support adults living with mental health issues.
Taylor, from Handsworth, set her sights on a career in health after her younger sister Anya Mae Hudson was born with severe disabilities and sadly died at the age of six, in 2005.
The experience of helping her family to look after Anya, who had epilepsy, severe sight problems and needed a lot of support, put Taylor on the path to what she believes will be a fulfilling career helping others. Her goal is in time to take a degree and qualify as a nurse specialising in mental health.
“I’m quite a caring person and I have a lot of experience from looking after my sister Anya Mae, who’s my inspiration,” said Taylor. “I saw the apprentice programme and thought it would be a good way to learn more and it is practical which suits me.
Taylor works at Forest Close in Oughtibridge, with the team supporting people with conditions such as bipolar disorder, and psychosis. “It’s very rewarding and there is a career plan. I would recommend this to anyone interested in health. "
In the Yorkshire and Humber health region there are around 900 places available annually for apprentices, including 16 at Sheffield Health and Social are Trust, which is recruited into health support roles and administration in February. Apprenticeships are also open to older people and can be used to train both new and existing employees, who gain recognised professional qualifications.
To find out more contact Karen Dickinson, Learning and Development Manager at 0114 271 8749 or email Karen.dickinson@shsc.nhs.uk Or see the national apprentice website www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ for more details.
