The Volunteer to Career programme, which started in 2023, has been a fantastic way to get a feel for a career in either administration or healthcare at NCIC.
Through the Volunteer to Career programme participants have gained valuable insights into administration or healthcare that leads into paid, meaningful employment within the Trust.
Training and support are also provided to help participants succeed in the recruitment process. The best part? No prior experience or qualifications are required to apply, making this an exciting opportunity for all.
VtC offers meaningful work in four simple steps:
- Complete mandatory training online
- Complete The Care Certificate (if volunteering in healthcare)
- Complete 60 hours of volunteering either on the ward or office (approx. 4 hours per week)
- Interview to join our Bank register as Admin or Ward support.
To date the programme has successfully recruited 65 volunteers into the trust.
Partnership working
Both internal and external collaboration has been key in the delivery of our programme. Our external partners such as Cumberland Council, DWP, Inspira Glenmore Trust and Groundworks have ensured the opportunity has reached those who need it most.
Case studies
Mandy Edge, Volunteer Support Worker
Mandy was unemployed for several months but her ambition grew over the years and she decided she wanted a career in healthcare as she believed it could lead to a fulfilling career.
Mandy said: “As my personal ambition grew, I decided I wanted to explore paths which could lead me to a really satisfying career.
“I felt approaching roles which made the most of my skills and personality would be advantageous to me. The main reason for this was because I wanted to be able move into a new job sector that would allow me to grow as a person while helping others.
“The Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme enabled me to gain the relevant skills and knowledge required to become a Clinical Skills Worker. My mentors were so supportive and informative and made me feel so at ease which really made the programme a great learning experience for me.”
Elisha Grieves, Ward Support Volunteer
Elisha is 18 and currently in sixth form.
Elisha said: “When I heard about the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme I knew it was the perfect start to my journey in healthcare.
“I have found while volunteering on the ward my main role has been to support patients and staff.
“Hospital days can be very long for patients coming in and being an extra support for a patient and someone to talk to makes all the difference. A typical day on the ward involves assisting with non-clinical tasks like serving meals and drinks and helping with activities. This opportunity to work with patients and other healthcare professionals has greatly helped me decide that a career in healthcare is for me. I have gained excellent experience, developed key skills like communication and empathy which are essential when you work in healthcare.”
Jae Mattinson, Ward Support Volunteer
The VtC programme has been an amazing and genuinely life changing experience for me.
Spending 60 hours on my ward gave me a real understanding of what working in the NHS is truly like. From my very first day, I felt welcomed by the staff and included as part of the team, which helped build my confidence straight away.
“I was able to see how a hospital runs day-to-day, how staff and patients interact, and how important kindness, patience, and teamwork are in every moment.
“Interacting with patients was one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. Whether it was having a simple conversation, offering reassurance, or just being there to listen, I could see how much these small moments mattered.
“One of the reasons this programme is such a fantastic opportunity is that it gives you real, hands-on experience in a supportive way. You are not just observing from the outside – you are learning, growing, and becoming part of the environment.
“I would honestly recommend this programme to anyone thinking about a future in the NHS. It gives you real experience, builds confidence and helps you decide if this is the right path for you.”
Clare Graham, Volunteer to Career (VtC) Programme Lead, said: “The Volunteer to Career programme has helped people from our local communities who are interested in healthcare or administration careers but don’t have a background in these fields to gain valuable experience before applying for paid roles in our Trust.
“Through our designed and structured VtC pathway, our volunteers can find their niche without the immediate pressure of employment, while developing transferrable skills and gaining confidence to take into the many job opportunities we have on offer at the Trust.”
Collaborating with the Cumberland Council and The Glenmore Trust we currently have Volunteer to Career (VtC) positions at:
- Inglewood, Wigton
- Eskdale House, Longtown
- Parkside, Maryport
- Richmond Park, Workington
- The Glenmore Trust, Carlisle and Wigton
Email Volunteering@ncic.nhs.ukto find out more.