Healthcare apprentice Layla Francis says she has found her dream job at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital – and is relishing the chance to ‘give back’ to the NHS.

The 18-year-old former Shrewsbury Academy student dropped out of further education after becoming disillusioned by a hair and beauty course, and was unsure what the future held.

But that all changed when she saw an advertisement for a new healthcare support worker apprenticeship being offered by Telford College.

“I never for a minute thought I’d be working at a hospital, but I’m absolutely loving it,” says Layla, who had originally wanted to be an air hostess.

“My year out of education gave me chance to figure out what I wanted to do. I have suffered from epilepsy since 2020 and the NHS has done a lot for me – it made me think I wanted to give back and help other people.”

Layla is now based on the gastroenterology ward at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, where she has received multiple letters of thanks from grateful patients and their families.

“No two days are the same here, and I love that,” she says. “Sometimes it can be manic, but the staff have been brilliant helping to train me, and I’m amazed at just how much I’ve had chance to do.

“I don’t see myself ever wanting to do anything else now, and I’m hoping to progress onto a nursing associate course when my apprenticeship comes to an end this summer.”

Layla has been combining her work at the hospital with training at Telford College’s Wellington campus.

“It’s amazing at Telford College,” she said. “I love it. I’ve just passed my English, and the way I’ve been taught is so much better than school. It’s not rushed, and if you need help it’s right there for you. The tutors are so supportive – I’d recommend the college to anyone.”

Jamie Henry, senior practice education facilitator at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, said: “I knew from the beginning that Layla would flourish, and I’m so proud of the way she has developed.

“This is the first time we have run these particular apprenticeships here, but having people like Layla with this sort of commitment, and consistency, is so rewarding. She listens, she learns and she is completely dedicated. She pours her heart and her soul into the role.”

Layla says the best thing about her job is the chance to communicate with patients and help with their personal care.

“The biggest challenge is creating a bond with a patient then sometimes having to watch them slowly deteriorate, and witness the impact it has on their family.

“You have to have the right mindset – you have got to be patient, kind compassionate, empathetic, but not become too attached to particular patients. It is a tricky balancing act sometimes.”

Layla’s message to anyone looking to follow in her footsteps on a healthcare support worker apprenticeship with Telford College is to ‘throw yourself into it’.

“Don’t doubt the job until you have tried it. It’s not for everyone but if you don’t push yourself in life, you won’t get anywhere. It’s good to challenge yourself, because that’s what makes you a better person.”

Sarah Capewell, employer relationship manager at Telford College, said: “Layla has shown real resilience and blossomed on this course, which has been brilliant to see.

“Healthcare support worker apprentices are based in a live clinical environment, such as a hospital ward, and get to work under the direct supervision of qualified staff to deliver high-quality, patient care for all patients and their families.

“It’s a chance to develop in-depth knowledge, transferable skills and behaviours, and contribute to compassionate care.”

Layla Francis with Jamie Henry at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.