By Sarah Rodricks on November 13, 2023
We’re always looking for exceptional people to join our team. Who we work with and how we work is so important to the culture we create as an organisation. We invest in ensuring we have a diverse pipeline of future talent within our workforce.
Drew joined Spirit in April 2021 as part of the government’s Kickstart Programme that aimed to help young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment get into work. Since then, Drew has continued working with Spirit, having completed an apprenticeship and now works full-time with us as an IT Support Engineer.
Hear what Drew had to say about his journey with Spirit Health.
What made you apply for the Kickstart role at Spirit Health?
“At the time, I was unsure of my direction in life. I spent my time between unemployment, agency work and at the job centre. I was referred to a team-building course to help build my confidence and gain some work experience. After this, my coach suggested the Kickstarter role at Spirit. I’ve always been interested in IT, and it was an area that I did have previous experience in. It also had the added benefit of being local and easy to travel to.”
Why did you choose IT?
“I’ve always been interested in and pretty good at IT. I’m the go-to person in my family for any computer problems. After struggling for direction, I narrowed my paths down to animal care and IT, both things that I’m passionate about. IT was the most realistic option and the one that I had more experience in.”
How did you find working at Spirit Health in your early days? How do you find it now?
“As my first experience of working, there was a lot to learn! Everything from understanding the different departments to work etiquette and working in IT in a business setting was new to me. I was extremely shy, but very willing to learn (and make mistakes along the way).”
Joining from the Kickstart programme, Spirit gave me a warm welcome with friendly faces and understanding people all around. The Spirit family helped make my first steps into the working world a good experience.
When I began as an apprentice, I received a lot of support from across the organisation. The IT team provided guidance and Shabbir Shanji, the Head of IT, in particular, helped me a lot with all my apprenticeship documents and on-the-job learning.
The procurement team were happy to provide equipment to help with my portfolio of evidence and V and Lena from HR were there to help whenever I needed it.
Now as an employee I’ve gained a tonne of experience and I’m much more confident both within my role and in the office. Spirit continues to be a great place to work.
Working at Spirit has encouraged me to be more independent and boosted my confidence outside of work too. I now rent an apartment on my own, have flown for the first time to Greece on my own, and got a pet cat. I’d never have imagined doing these things before my first job and I’m thankful to Spirit for being the company to help me on this journey.”
Interested in becoming part of the Spirit family?
We’re always on the lookout for new talent to join the Spirit team, so whatever type of role you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
Take a look at our current job vacancies.
