Career Stories
Here are some career stories from NHS staff to highlight the varied roles and potential career pathways within our support workforce.
David Mclaughlin – NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
David’s Story: Lack of support for dyslexia at high school meant learning was not a good experience for David. It was through caring for a relative that he found his way into care work, and from there to the NHS as a healthcare support worker (HCSWs) in a busy respiratory ward. David now leads on education and development for HCSWs in Scotland’s largest health board, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, participating in a wide range of projects and advocating for improved access to learning for all HCSWs.
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David's storyJune Livey – NHS Education for Scotland
June’s Story: June found that despite having lots of work experience, and having had roles which she excelled in she lacked confidence in her own abilities. Bringing up her family led to her taking some time out of the workplace, she struggled with interviews and lost confidence in her skills. By joining a supportive team at NES who believed in her, June was able to develop her skills and gain a promotion within the organisation. June’s motto is with your team behind you – you can do anything.
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June's storyProgression is not linear, and is different for everyone.
Donald Bain, Assistant Head of Operational Estates
“As a fresh-faced youth in 1985, I was fortunate enough to secure (after a nerve-wracking interview) a position as Apprentice Mechanical Maintenance Engineer with no idea what to expect, and no idea what I’d achieve. The next 4 years working in Stobhill Hospital involved learning from some of the finest, most experienced tradesmen I have ever met. They not only taught me how to fix almost anything I came across but taught me life skills I have carried with me to this day.
After my apprenticeship, I went to Ruchill Hospital. The next 10 years were spent working as a tradesman, continually learning my craft, and making sure I was the one that could be relied on to fix things.
When Ruchill Hospital closed I progressed from tradesman to technician and, instead of sticking only to my mechanical background, I was able to undertake minor electrical and plumbing works. After 18 months I successfully secured a promoted role and made Gartnavel General my base.
A few years later a supervisors role became available alongside an opportunity to go into further education. I applied, was successful at interview and, after attending two years of college, I had not only a supervisor’s post but also a Higher National Diploma, which provided opportunities to further my career. In 2013, at the age of 45, I went back to school to do the degree I had always wanted to do – Engineering. I graduated with Honours in 2016 and then returned to work at Stobhill, where it all began for me.
Now in 2023, that 1985 apprentice is one of the four Assistant Heads of Estates for Greater Glasgow and Clyde, one of the biggest Health Boards in the UK. My job is to help steer the ship on its course, to guide the teams to the NHS goals, to be creative in finding solutions that may not always seem apparent. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it satisfying? Without a doubt! Would I recommend it? Absolutely!"
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