Receptionist/health records, Royal Oldham Hospital, Shamima Akhtar

Shamima was offered a full-time role just weeks after starting as a temp. She has received all the support she needs to get used to the busy day surgery unit reception and is now confident and happy that she is making a difference to patients.

Tara knew she wanted to become a podiatrist. She joined an NHS podiatry clinic as a clerical officer and has picked up plenty of knowledge about the specialty. She is being fully encouraged to train to be a podiatrist while she works.

Lynn relished the challenge of being promoted from assistant to supervisor at a time of major change. She gets great satisfaction from the direct contact with patients and from working with nurses and dietitians.

John needed to find an employer that would value his skills as a decorator but also recognise his family responsibilities. He rates the NHS as the perfect employer and is enjoying interesting and varied work. The flexibility of his job means he can fulfil his role as a parent.

Chris's story is a great illustration of the opportunities to progress and work in different areas of the NHS. He has been able to work, gaining several promotions, while studying to improve his prospects even more.

Taking a temporary job in a GP surgery meant Ben was ideally placed to hear about opportunities elsewhere in the NHS. As an apprentice, he’s earning as he learns and he’s well on his way to qualifying as an engineering craftsman.

Thom has just completed an Apprenticeship in Business Administration at Level 2 at Sheffield Health and Social Care Trust.

Nathaniel Bailey-Morgan is a training co-ordinator at King’s College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London.