We’ve recently told you about the work we’re doing with Hartlepool-based Catcote Academy Brierton Sixth Form, providing work placements across our hospital sites for students with special educational needs (SEND) with a view to helping them make the transition into the world of work. Now, we want to introduce you to the Facilities Team Leader who’s been instrumental in supporting the students on their journey with NTH Solutions, as we recognise his retirement this week.
Meet their Mentor, Tim Carter.
It’s fair to say that what Tim doesn’t know about the way we work across our sites at University Hospital North Tees (UHNT) and University Hospital Hartlepool (UHH) isn’t worth knowing! Having joined us 47 years ago as a Porter in our Operations team, he worked his way up to lead our NTH Solutions Facilities teams whilst they’re on shift, supporting the delivery of exceptional patient care and contributing to the smooth running of our hospital and community sites. For that reason, he has been the perfect person to help the ‘Catcote Crew’ (as they’re affectionately known!) navigate the balance between education and the workplace.
“When some of the young students came in initially in September 2024, some of them were dreadfully shy and unsure of themselves,” said Tim. “However, given the work experience and coaching they’ve had, they’ve blossomed. You can see a real change in their demeanour and the way they hold themselves. They don’t stop smiling now! Previously, if you had asked them a question, they’d be embarrassed to answer you or give you a one-word response, but now we can have a whole conversation with them.
“It’s a real joy seeing them so happy and having so much confidence now.”
Working with his Facilities colleagues, our Assistant Director of Operations, Natalie Wintersgill, and Jackie McGarry, Careers Lead at Catcote Academy, Tim helped to design a 12-week work experience programme for the students which sees them rotate across different areas of our Operations function across our hospital sites, learning through practical experience. This includes working with our Porters, supporting our Ward Hosts serving meals to patients, in our public restaurants, and with our mattress decontamination and Medical Equipment teams. The students spend three weeks in each area learning as much as they can, before moving to the next.
As well as following our colleagues on shift, they have learned how to talk appropriately to people in the workplace, solve problems they’ve encountered during everyday situations, and seen the impact their work has on others, including frontline health and care workers and patients.
“The rotations have been very valuable in teaching the students a good life lesson,” commented Tim. “Naturally there have been places they’ve favoured more than others, but even if they haven’t especially enjoyed one rotation, they’ve had to complete this and try to identify why they didn’t like it, and therefore what skills and experiences they enjoy more than others. This will help them in future when choosing roles and making other life choices.”
The initial programme was such a success that it has expanded, and we are now on our third cohort of students. Some of them have completed two programmes, which has allowed them to expand on the knowledge they gained initially. One is now enrolled on a healthcare course at a local college, such is the impact this experience has had on them, and our programme has even featured as a case study in a recent UK Careers and Enterprise Company film, highlighting how effective work experience programmes supporting SEND students can be.
This is a wonderful legacy for Tim, who retired this week.
“I’ve always tried to be a role model and a leader for people in the workplace. I recognised from an early age that things aren’t always easy or handed to you on a plate, and you have to work hard for good things to come your way. I’ve always had the mentality that once you climb to the top of a mountain, there’s another hill after that and so you go again. If you keep climbing, you can take whatever life throws at you in your stride. I’ve tried to instil this in the students, as well as the wonderful NTH Solutions colleagues who I have had the pleasure of leading during my career.
“It’s a real privilege to be in a position to give people a chance in life, and I love to make people feel taller and believe in themselves. I think so many people are told ‘you can’t do that’ and they eventually start to listen to it, but I’ve always encouraged them to try and overcome the barriers they face by finding ways round them, or by asking for help rather than just giving in. With regard to the students, they’ve made me feel like a superstar during the final year of my career. They’re marvellous!”
It seems only fair to give the final word to Catcote Academy’s Careers Lead, Jackie McGarry, who said: “All of our teachers refer to Tim as our ‘earth Angel’ because of the impact he has had on our students. We are so sad that he’s retired. We are all going to miss him and the unwavering support he has offered to our students, making them realise that the world of work is truly accessible for them, and that entry level opportunities are available to them if they have the right attitude and work hard. This will inspire a generation to come, and for that we are so thankful.”
‘Good luck’ for the future, and enjoy your retirement, Tim! After 47 years, you’ve earned it!
