Getting to know you… Annette Pollitt

Getting to know you…

To highlight National Apprenticeship Week we spoke to Annette Pollitt, our Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Lead, who helped LUHFT gain a place in the top 100 apprenticeship employers.

Did you always want to work in healthcare?

Yes, I wanted to be a theatre sister as I enjoyed watching operations on TV when I was younger, Your Life in Their Hands was my favourite programme. I watched this with my dad, but my mum couldn’t stand blood.

How long have you worked in our hospitals?

I started at the Royal as a student nurse in 1991, and I was amazed by the size of the organisation. During my three years of training, I worked on various medical wards, my favourite was medical admissions as patients were acutely ill and the pace was fast. The staff were amazing, and we developed good team working. As a staff nurse I enjoyed supporting HCAs with their NVQs. I found this role rewarding, as I experienced staff grow in their roles, so I became a work-based assessor and later moved to Learning and Development to become a permanent assessor. This is where my passion grew in supporting staff within their careers, I have seen staff start as a HCA and develop into qualified nurses.

What does your role involve now?

I manage the apprenticeship provision, supporting managers and staff with appropriate qualifications, as apprenticeships are open to all bands of staff. I also work with external partners such as local colleges and universities to review opportunities and career pathways and visit schools to provide advice about work experience. We also undertake pre-employment programmes for unemployed individuals, reaching out to under-represented communities and people with learning difficulties. The aim is to provide knowledge and skills to individuals ready for employment.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

When you know that your input has made a difference to people, such as to gain employment or progression within their career. As well as meeting new people and working in partnership with other organisations.

What are your highlights during your time at LUHFT?

It was great to be able to develop new apprenticeship opportunities such as the implementation of the degree nurse. As well as seeing LUHFT gain a place in the top 100 apprenticeship employers in 2020. Also, learning about the success of an individual’s employment, especially within Project Search, which is supporting young people with learning difficulties.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

Walking my French bulldog, Trevor. I enjoy trying different restaurants and looking forward to holidays abroad.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

A restaurant in Wales called Y Sgwar.

What’s your favourite film?

There are so many, Greece, Rock of Ages, Moulin Rouge, Jersey Boys

You win the lottery, what’s your dream holiday?

Maldives!

You’re stranded on an island, what three items would you want with you?

Trevor (my dog), a comfy chair/bed and a crate of red wine.