We hosted a Lunch and Learn event earlier this week to help local employers learn how they can engage with their future workforce more easily.
 
Over 20 employers attended our event to hear how Founders4Schools and Marketplace can help them engage with school pupils, in a way that fits in with their business needs.

Following a successful event last year, NHS Orkney in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Orkney, held a ‘Day in the Life’ event at The Balfour on Friday 15 November. These events help young people learn more about the range of health and social care careers that are available with NHS Orkney.​

The ‘Day in the Life’ event was open to interested pupils from S3-S6 at secondary schools throughout Orkney.

​As part of our Sector Spotlight on NHS Orkney, we spoke to Rhiannon Phillips who is a Primary Care Facilitator.  After completing an HNC in Business Management, she struggled to get a job due to lack of experience, however working for the Admin Bank at NHS Orkney led to a full-time role and opportunities to develop herself further through work-based learning.

​As part of our Sector Spotlight on NHS Orkney, we spoke to Sarah Rendall, Facilities Support Officer.  Sarah started her NHS career with a Relief position on the Switchboard, this lead to a chance to take on an Admin role before she moved into Facilities and her current role.

As part of our Sector Spotlight on NHS Orkney, we have spoken to Karen Spence, Public Health Administration Manager.  Karen joined NHS Orkney in 2010 in a role in the Switchboard.  She has undertake various roles in the organisation, developing her skills and undertaking additional qualifications.  She is currently studying for a Graduate Apprenticeship in Business Management.

​As part of our Sector Spotlight on NHS Orkney, we have spoken to Martha Gill, who is a Community Island Nurse.  Originally from Australia, Martha undertook her BA Nursing in Glasgow before returning to Australia where she undertook a variety of roles within home care and Primary Care, which is community based, while also undertaking a post-graduate qualification in Nursing Practice.  She then moved to Orkney to undertake her current role.

​As part of our Sector Spotlight on NHS Orkney, we have spoken to Angus Rafferty who is a Recruitment Officer.  After completing a degree in Applied Geology, Angus moved to Orkney and began working with NHS Orkney as an Administration Assistant.  He then completed a Modern Apprenticeship through Orkney College UHI, before moving into his current role.

​As part of our Sector Spotlight on NHS Orkney, we spoke to Neva Spence, Dental Nurse.  Neva became a Trainee Dental Nurse with a local practice when she returned to work after having her family.  Once qualified, she applied for a post with the NHS and now works with the Oral Surgeons.

​As part of our Sector Spotlight on NHS Orkney, we have spoken to Mandy Ward, who is the Facilities Manager at Balfour Hospital.  Mandy began her career in Hospitality before working as an office temp, which led her to NHS Orkney.  She got a permanent role in the Finance Department, before moving into Estates where she was given the chance to develop her role and gain some work-based qualifications.

​As part of our Sector Spotlight on NHS Orkney, we have spoken to Amanda Manson, who is a Specialist Cardiac Nurse.  Amanda knew she wanted to be a Nurse when she left school.  After training in Orkney and Aberdeen, plus 15 years working in hospitals south, she returned home to work for NHS Orkney.

Our Sector Spotlight campaign has returned for the summer holidays.  Following the opening of the new Balfour Hospital, we will be focusing on the range of clinical and non-clinical careers available within NHS Orkney and - due to the number of jobs within the NHS - we will be shining a spotlight on this sector for the next two weeks.

For our first Sector Spotlight on NHS Orkney, we have spoken to Lizzie Morris, Medical Records Officer.

Lizzie first started with NHS Orkney on a work placement, which helped her secure a permanent job with the organisation.  She has undertaken different roles in the organisation and has completed two Modern Apprenticeships while employed with NHS Orkney.