Six engaging short films starring various NHS Forth Valley staff – who have mentored Forth Valley College students through the successful Career Ambassador Project – hope to encourage more students to apply.
Funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund helped the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership launch the project last year and it is already making a real difference to the careers of students from a wide range of backgrounds, who may have had a disruption to their education, work experience and career journey so far.
The Project matched a selected FVC student with a designated NHS Volunteer Ambassador from the local workforce, and they all became enthusiastic and positive role models, encouraging their mentee to recognise the wide range of employment opportunities existing in the Forth Valley health service.
The funding enables the project to run Until March 2025 and already, since the project started, 36 FVC students have been matched up with an Ambassador from NHS department areas such as Business, Administration, IT, Health Improvement, Planning, Human Resources, Estates and Catering.
The pairs meet up at least four times in one-to-one sessions, workshops and site visits. Advice and guidance will be offered by the Ambassadors and it is hoped the pairs will develop a positive connection, and work together to focus on potential and transferable skills and Meta-skills development.
Alison Harris, FVC’s Career Ambassador Co-ordinator (FVC/NHS), said: “The feedback we have had from the Project, Mentors, and Mentees has been overwhelmingly positive so far and we have funding to run until March next year. However, please don’t take my word for it, why not have a look at the six films and see what those who took part have got to say.”
Noelle MacKay, Employability Manager, NHS Forth Valley (FV): https://youtu.be/_33hJl7Ahr8
Noelle is part of the Organisation Development and Learning & Education team at NHS Forth Valley. Her role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including Career Development, New Pathways, and Recruitment Services, among others. In her film Noelle shares her extensive experience and a diverse skill set, which contributes to her success in this role.
Andrew McGowan, Head of Estates, NHS Forth Valley (FV): https://youtu.be/V1KFSdrycSo
Andrew is the Head of Estates for a variety of facilities and buildings within NHS Forth Valley (FV). He discusses the skills necessary to excel in his position and what he shared with his mentee during their meeting, where they explored interview techniques, CV writing, and confidence-building. As a former student of Forth Valley College, Andrew credits much of his success to the guidance and support he received from his mentor.
Rona Kidd, Allied Health Professional (AHP) Administrator: https://youtu.be/sp52S8iJuZs
Rona, Administrator for Acute Physiotherapy Services at Forth Valley Royal Hospital (FVRH), discusses the responsibilities of her role and the skills required to perform them effectively. She also highlights the importance of clerical and administrative roles across all services within NHS Forth Valley, emphasising that the NHS employs more than just healthcare professionals.
Joanne O’Suilleabhain, Principal Public Health Officer, Keep Well Programme Manager: https://youtu.be/ruF_nlSzbpA
Joanne discusses her role in Public Health and managing the Keep Well programme, which aims to reduce health inequalities across Forth Valley. Her work involves collaborating with partners to create impactful programmes that drive positive change. Joanne also shares her career journey, from working as a dietitian to teaching nutrition in Zambia, an experience that ignited her passion for health promotion. She also talks about working with her mentee, who was studying HNC in Working with Communities at Falkirk Campus.
James McNeil, Management Accountant: https://youtu.be/zgP8At2DNdk
As a Finance Manager within Management Accounts, James describes key aspects of his role, from running reports for budget holders to liaising with internal and external stakeholders. He highlights the essential skills needed for this position and reflects on the benefits he gained from having a career mentor in the industry during his time as a student.
Lilian Young, Retail Catering Manager: https://youtu.be/Zvv5Et2bO0I
Lilian's role encompasses all aspects of retail catering at FVRH, including major brands such as Marks & Spencer, WH Smith, Starbucks, plus the onsite restaurant. She leads a team of around 35 staff members, overseeing recruitment, collaborating with HR, managing food safety, and engaging with customers. Lilian highlights the skills required to excel in a catering and retail environment and shares how she developed a strong bond with her mentee.
Any student who feels they might benefit from the Career Ambassador Project can refer themselves by visiting this link https://forms.office.com/e/4Wk72exiYQ
FVC staff can also use the link to refer students who would be ideal for the project.