Welcome our new Beyond the Badge feature. Each week we’ll go behind the badge to meet colleagues and teams across the Trust.
This week we caught up with our painting and decorating apprentices Daniel Pikin, Tom Davis and Babita Rani who are managed by Dean Chilton, Maintenance Supervisor within our Estates and Facilities Services.
What does the team do?
The team provides general maintenance to our buildings. They decorate our buildings through both a planned programme and also respond to urgent jobs. This involves painting and refurbishing spaces, freshening up our environments to make them more pleasant for patients, staff and visitors.
How does this work alongside their apprenticeship?
The majority of learning takes place on the job. Babita, Daniel and Tom attend college one day a week to study a maintenance operative course. They’re learning all types of skills such as bricklaying, roofing, plastering, carpentry, basic electrical works and much more.
Why did you decide to take up an apprenticeship in painting and decorating?
Verbita: I started my first NHS role in catering at Edward Street Hospital and saw this opportunity and thought I would apply for it. I’m so happy I did, I’m learning new skills, I’m loving it!
Daniel: I used to work in construction and I was looking to expand my knowledge and skills in other areas. When I was given the opportunity for an apprenticeship, I took it with both hands.
What is the most enjoyable part of your role?
Tom: How well the staff treat you. Our manager Dean is really supportive and always there for us making sure we’ve got everything we need.
What are you most proud of?
Dean: What the team have achieved in their short time here. They go above what is expected of them and it was great to see them receive recognition at the Trust's Healthcare Heroes Awards last year, it was very well deserved.
What would you most like people to understand about your team?
Dean: The team do an incredible job. By having an in-house team we can be more responsive, build relationships and can better understand the needs of services. Our goal is to develop the skills of the team, not just in painting in decorating, but in other areas to help with the maintenance of our buildings, we’ve got lots of opportunity to upskill others. I want us to be the best painted Trust in the country!