A teenager from Renfrewshire is the first to experience a unique placement at a NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospital. 

Jacob Milford, 17, spent a week learning Medical Equipment Management at Inverclyde Royal Hospital as part of his Foundation Apprenticeship.

This was the first time the health board has hosted such a placement.

Jacob, an S6 pupil at Park Mains High School in Erskine, chose Advanced Manufacturing Engineering for his apprenticeship.

He juggles this with attending West College Scotland, Paisley for half the day, four times a week.

The student, from Bishopton, said: “One of the managers at NHSGGC came to our college to talk about this apprenticeship and work placement.

“I found the visit fascinating, and I must have done something right, because afterwards he requested that I take part in the placement.”

During the placement, he was given hands-on experience of the work the Medical Equipment Management team does, maintaining vital equipment and making sure it is ready to help in the care of patients across the health board.

He saw how operating theatre equipment, including infusion pumps and vital signs monitors, were kept in good condition.

He said the practical nature of the apprenticeship suited his learning style and that his highlight of the week was helping to maintain a defibrillator.

Jacob said: “It has taken my interest one step further.

“It was great to learn on the job like this, and I’d like to thank everyone at the IRH for making me so welcome and teaching me so much.

“If one of my friends asked me if a placement at NHSGGC was worth it, I’d say ‘Definitely – go for it.’

"Spending a week here has really opened my eyes to all the careers in the health board. It’s definitely something I’ll be looking at when I finish school.”

David Ness, clinical technologist at the IRH and one of the team who looked after Jacob during his visit, said: “We’re delighted that Jacob got so much out of his time with us.

"His willingness to learn was a breath of fresh air for us, and we all wish him well for his future career choices. Who knows, we might see him back as a member of the team.”

Mark Prentice, Technical Manager for Medical Physics at NHSGGC, who attended West College and spotted Jacob, added: “This has been our first Foundation Apprenticeship placement, and given its success we hope it won’t be our last.

“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde offers a range of excellent career opportunities, and the routes into work vary almost as much as the jobs available.

“We would encourage any young person who is looking for a challenging, rewarding career, to speak to their career adviser at school or college and investigate the many opportunities on offer at NHSGGC.”