Two members of staff at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital will be studying for a foundation degree in Hospital Engineering this coming autumn.

Ben Huband, electrical trainee technician and Mark Stedman, mechanical trainee technician, are undertaking the qualification through Staffordshire University and Eastwood Park Training.

As well as the degree they are also completing an in-house trainee programme, facilitated by the Trust’s estates department, which outlines the core competencies required to be a hospital engineer.

Simon Everett, mechanical estates officer, said: “The trainee technician roles were designed for two aspiring professionals who will learn and work towards leadership roles within the Trust.

“These roles are a brilliant opportunity for Ben and Mark to gain relevant experience, a qualification and to work their way up the career ladder.”

Mark, who was already an employee at the Orthopaedic, said: “When I first heard about the trainee technician roles, I knew this was something I would be interested in.

“It felt like the right time to make a career move so this was perfect for me. I’m looking forward to starting my qualification later in the year.”

Simon has already started the qualification and is coming towards the end of his first year.

Simon said: “Completing this specific degree is beneficial as hospital engineers need a much broader and deeper knowledge and skill set than any one single trade.”

“I’m really enjoying my degree so far, and very grateful to the hospital for giving me the opportunity and support to do this.”

The Training department are providing funding for the staff members to complete the qualifications.

Lisa Slevin, learning and development manager at Eastwood Park, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming an additional two students from the Orthopaedic on our hospital engineering foundation degree this autumn. They join fellow student Simon.

“We are delighted they recognise the benefits of a two-year blended learning programme which is ideal for those who want to gain a qualification while continuing to work, plus it also has potential of leading to a BSc (Hons) Management degree.

“There’s lots of support including residential study weekends, so we very much look forward to seeing everybody in October.”