Real-life story - Ben Yeates

I gave up my A level course because I wasn’t enjoying it. I went travelling and decided I wanted to do something practical. While I was thinking about my options I took a temporary admin job in a GP’s surgery. While there, I heard the local PCT was taking on apprentices in the facilities department, so I applied and was taken on.

Later, I’ll get the chance to do further training, such as in health and safety. I feel very excited about the amount of knowledge I am gaining through work and study. After that there are lots of opportunities to progress. I’ll be an engineering craftsman when I qualify and I’m looking forward to a great career in the NHS.

I started last year and I am really enjoying the challenge and gaining experience in a wide range of work. It’s a three-year apprenticeship leading to a City and Guilds certificate in plumbing and electrical work and an NVQ.

I'm very well supported. I get a wage and my employer pays for all my tools and uniform. My course is also paid for – I do two days a week at college. I'm being sent to an acute hospital soon to learn about heavy acute equipment and about working in operating theatres and sterile environments.