Sponsored Editorial

Marie Muir always dreamed of becoming a qualified nurse, but with no qualifications or experience she feared her goal was out of reach.

But after applying for a job as a healthcare assistant with East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 35-year-old Marie discovered the skills she’d gained from working in a care home were the first step towards making her dream a reality.

She’s now being supported to work towards a promotion, meaning she could be working as a qualified nurse within five years.

The mum-of-four from Deal said: “I applied thinking there was no way I would get it, so when I got the interview it was a shock – and I couldn’t believe it when I was offered the job!

“Working on the ward is very different to being in the care home; you have more time for patients and there is more structure. Sometimes you can get stressed and wonder how you’re going to get everything done but you always find a way and there is always someone willing to help.”

When Ellie Phillips, 23, failed her A levels she thought her dream of being a physiotherapist was over.

"I was distraught, I had no idea what to do next," said Ellie, who lives in Herne Bay with her parents and brother.

Thinking of trying to get into teaching, Ellie took a classroom assistant role and from there she joined a special needs school in Canterbury as a one-to-one carer. After some on-the-job training at the school, she successfully applied to become a children's therapies assistant with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and has now been accepted onto a degree apprenticeship course with the trust.

Nowa recruitment campaign by the East Kent Health and Care Partnership – a coalition of NHS, Kent County Council, social care and voluntary sector organisations in east Kent is hoping that Marie and Ellie’s stories will encourage people who can bring life skills and experience, rather than formal qualifications, to apply for entry-level care and support roles in health and social care and kickstart a rewarding career.

More information and jobs can be found on the campaign website at: www.kentreadytocare.co.uk.