As summer draws to a close, many students and interns from across the city begin their search for paid employment. We are delighted to share the success of Jessica Little, one of out latest full-time member of staff to join the Portering team here at University Hospitals Plymouth.  

Lawrence Hunter and Jessica Little

In September 2022, Jess took the first step towards a rewarding career by joining our Trust through the Project SEARCH supported internship program. This unique initiative offers the interns three supported internships placements, giving the young people the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience working in a hospital environment while simultaneously developing new skills and earning recognised qualifications. At the heart of the program is the Employability Skills Qualification, designed to empower participants to pursue future employment opportunities both within the NHS and beyond.

During her time on the programme, Jess rotated through various placements including the Level 7 restaurant, ward deliveries and research administration, discovering new passions and developing essential skills along the way. One of her most memorable experiences was her time with the deliveries team, where she not only made new friends but also honed the skills that would set her up for future success. Jess really enjoyed the challenge of meeting new people and going to different parts of the hospital each day. She thrived in the supportive environment, and her dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed.

Thanks to the skills and experience she gained during her placements; Jess was able to seize further opportunities within the Trust. Her commitment and growth were evident, and this led to her securing a full-time substantive post in the portering team – a fantastic achievement and a testament to the impact of the Project Search program, we are super proud of her achievements. Jess’s future ambition is to progress in the team and develop her skills.

Lawrence Hunter, Portering Support Manager added:

“We are delighted to have Jess join our team and she is fitting in well. I have already seen a boost to Jess’s confidence as she attends our more challenging tasks such as medical emergencies. I believe Jess is a real asset to our team.”

If you think you or someone you know could benefit from our programme, go to our Supported Internships page for more information and how to apply.