From a T Level placement to a permanent role | MY staff stories

Lillie-Mai started her journey with us as a T Level student, here she explains how she got her first role, what she enjoys about it and her plans for the future.

What is your job role and where are you based?

I am a Healthcare Support Worker, based in Outpatients at Dewsbury and District Hospital.

How long have you worked for the Trust?

I have worked for the Trust since August 2025, I started out as a Domestic Assistant, and then progressed to a Healthcare Support Worker in March 2026. 

What does a typical day look like?

Outpatients is slightly different from a ward setting, as I wouldn’t do any personal care or provide support with daily living activities. Here, I chaperone and take patients physical observations, such as blood pressure, height and weight. I alternate between clinics daily, so I get to gain a variety of knowledge, varying between general surgery, oncology, and colorectal. 

How did you get into your role?

I studied T Level: Supporting the Adult Nursing Team at Kirklees College, which allowed me to complete a placement on ward 12, elective surgery at Dewsbury. I gained valuable experience which I am now able to put into practice at work daily. 

I found out about the job through the college and the Trust. When on placement, I expressed I wanted to become a healthcare support worker and work my way up through the NHS, instead of going to university, and so when the job was advertised, a member of the Professional Development and Education Team at the Trust contacted me and said I would be a good candidate and offered me support when applying, if I wanted or needed it. 

What are the best bits about your role?

The best part about my role is the human connection we get with the patients. As I am the first and last face they see throughout their appointment, I get to be the reassuring presence patients need when they are anxious or confused. 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to do a similar role?

The advice I would give to someone wanting to do the same role is to ensure they have qualities such as good communication, patience and compassion, as clinical skills can be taught, but these are what make a good healthcare support worker. 

Do you have any career aspirations?

My next steps/aspiration I would like to take, is to develop into a Clinical Support Worker, so I can gain more experience, and upgrade my skills, ready for the Trainee Nursing Associate Role. 

You can find out more about being a support worker in our careers section.