Almost 150 young people have gotten into work experience opportunities at East Lancashire hospitals – with many getting into full-time work.

The Get into East Lancashire Hospital Trust placement runs in conjunction with the Prince’s Trust and aims to give valuable work experience across a variety of hospital departments.

Providing training to improve their skills and experience helps them to achieve long-term employment.

Mustafa Saddique was amongst the first people to take part in the programme and now has a permanent role in the Trust’s busy laundry team.

He said: “Without the Prince’s Trust, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am now.

"Through the programme, I got so much support and seven years later, I’m still here in a job I really enjoy.

 “I love my job, working in laundry. If anyone is looking at applying, please do. You won’t regret it.”

After starting in 2017, 140 young people have completed the course and another 20 are due to start soon.

Prince’s Trust director of delivery, Louise Spencer visited Blackburn Teaching Hospital and to meet the young people who have benefitted from it.

He said: “I was impressed to see the strong partnership between the Prince’s Trust and ELHT to support young people into work, and the passion and commitment from staff from both organisations. 

 “Meeting a range of colleagues working in departments across the hospital, who started their career journey as a result of this partnership was inspiring – and I am sure the Trust and ELHT will continue to support many more young people in the future.”

Suzanne Lang, vocational pre-employment coordinator at ELHT, said: “We were delighted to host a visit from Louise, giving her a chance to meet some of the young people who have benefited from the programme and gone on to work at ELHT, including in the pathology lab, logistics, laundry and as patient service assistants.”