For Scottish Apprenticeship Week we are highlighting our Youth Network, a huge resource available for any apprentices and young people in NHS Lothian – or, indeed, anyone who feels young at heart.
In 2018, when Young Achiever was a category for the first time in NHS Lothian’s Celebrating Success Awards, Hayley Greig was the one to take the trophy home. Since then, she has continued her passion for young people in leadership by founding the Youth Network with Imran Hafeez, a Service Improvement Manager in Oral Health.
Hayley currently works in Workforce Development at St John’s Hospital, where she has been for almost two years. “The network began after a few NHS Lothian employees were able to attend an iLeadership course held by Young Scot,” Hayley explains. “The iLeadership course taught us how to hold meetings, take minutes, work on our confidence – stuff that is vital for young people to learn so they can progress their careers. When we took that knowledge back to the organisation, it became the Youth Network.”
Alongside its co-chairs, Hayley and Imran, the network has two lead roles: the Inspire role and the Communicate role. “The Inspire role is about development opportunities, facilitating mentoring connections and holding workshops to help our members with interview and presentation skills. The Communicate role leads on all our communications and helps us advertise to potential members, as well as leading on our campaigns throughout the year.”
Imran said that COVID put many of the network’s plans on hold, as it did for many people.
“There wasn’t really space – or time – for us to start until 2021,” Hayley says. “But now that we have started, we’re very excited to keep growing.”
So, who can join the Youth Network? “There’s no age limit!” Imran says. “Mentoring is key, so coming along to be a supporter is fantastic.”
“If you have a big presentation coming up, or maybe you’re leading on your first project and you’re nervous – the Youth Network can help,” Hayley explains. “We will support you through that, offer mentorship and help you build your confidence.”
To learn more about the Youth Network, email youthnetwork@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk. If you’re looking for an apprenticeship, or know someone who might be interested, NHS Lothian will be advertising again from 4 April 2022. For more info, please visit: https://careers.nhslothian.scot/apprenticeships/
