Spotlight on Talent – Olaitan Akib

Studied: Employment Gateway programme
Progression: Clinical Support Worker at Walsall Manor Hospital

Being in the right place at the right time helped Olaitan Akib begin her career working in the NHS.

She enrolled on to a clinical support worker pre-employment training programme after previously caring for a family member and training to be a hairdresser.

On completing the programme and attending an interview she was offered a role at Walsall Manor Hospital.

“I hadn’t worked since arriving in the UK five years ago and had no professional experience of the NHS.  Building up my confidence to work for them was key,” said Olaitan.  “I’d studied banking and finance in Africa where I’m originally from, so this was all new to me.  Completing this training programme helped in lots of ways.”

“The partnership between Walsall College, whg, Walsall Works and the NHS is an excellent concept and a lifeline to those who want to start new, worthwhile careers,” she added.

Coming from a family of medical and care workers it seemed natural for Olaitan to also make her way into the sector.  Her dad is a surgeon, her mother, a midwife and her sister, a doctor.

“I’m so excited to be in this job,” said Olaitan.  “My family are proud of me for doing this.  I’m looking forward to showing them what else I can achieve in future.”