There's no stopping these two. Stevie Armitage (S) and Olivia Higgins, (O) best pals and colleagues, are both about to start new roles  as Trainee Nurse Associates in the New Year after taking advantage of all the career opportunities here at CHFT. Olivia was an apprentice and then they've both been healthcare assistants then clincial support workers.  We caught up with them to find out more.

1 What made you want to join the NHS in the first place and when did you start?

S - I've always wanted to work in care and seeing the fantastic work the NHS do and having several family members work for and progress through the NHS, I started my journey on 24th March 2014.

O - I started in August 2013 and I have always been interested in the health side of things. I knew I wanted to help people and orignally wanted to be a physiotherapist, but when I started the apprenticeship on the ward I knew I had found what I wanted to do. Also my mum and sister are both nurses and they are brilliant at their jobs.

2 How does it make you feel changing roles and doing so well in your careers at CHFT.

S - Fantastic. It feels amazing to have achieved such great progression already, with the help and support from such great colleagues.

O - I am really excited to start this new adventure. I never thought I would make it this far in my career.

3 Would you recommend it to others thinking about starting as apprentices.

S -I myself didn't do the apprenticeship, as I'd already complete my level 3 diploma at college, but seeing work friends progress through it, I'd definitely recommend it.

O - Definitely! I was one of the first apprentices also one of the youngest. It was hard work but I loved every second of it. 

4  How supportive are your colleagues?

S - All my colleagues are amazingly supportive in everything I do, I couldn't ask for a better work family. I'll be gutted to leave them.

O - They are the best! They have pushed me to do my best, talking me round when I have found it hard. Orthopaedics are amazing! I thought I was never going to leave. My last day is going to be hard.

5 What have you learned about the NHS you didn’t know before

S - I recently did a display board for the NHS's 70th birthday and I learned a fair bit then about the founder, the first year certain procedures were first done etc. that I didn't know, which I found really interesting.

O - That there are so many different branches of the NHS. Anywhere you work requires special skill. That's why the NHS and staff are all amazing. 

Any funny moments?

S and O: We really cant think of one specific funny moment that stands out, we have a laugh every day at work! :)