A sixth form student with learning difficulties who hoped to become a hospital porter has realised his dream at St Andrew’s.

Staff at the charity welcomed Billy, a student from The Bee Hive in Kingsthorpe, with open arms so they could help turn his dream into a reality.

The 18-year-old has always shown a keen interest in helping people and thought he would be able to do this by becoming a hospital porter.

Dani Waples, Subject Lead for Induction for Learning and Development, explained how the work experience came about.

He said: “Billy’s school wanted to help him gain some experience in the work place, so they got in touch with us here at St Andrew’s. We put them in touch with Victoria Akinwumi from Estates and together we all made it work.

"We made sure before he started that Billy took part in a co-production induction, which the team prepared in advance. This ensured all his needs were met while he was with us and he felt well supported during his time at the charity.”

Essential Skills Facilitators for Learning and Development Estelle Randle and Nicola Howard also helped Billy gain his work experience.

Estelle said: “It was an honour to help Billy turn his dream into a reality. His drive, determination and infectious smile shone through from day one.

“Not only did he make an excellent hospital porter, but he also worked alongside our Stores team, picking orders and preparing deliveries, sorting and delivering post, working within Logistics to deliver food and shadowing our Security team.

“He showed interest and a great deal of determination and professionalism. It was an honour and a pleasure to have Billy onsite.”

Billy said: “It’s been a really, really good week. The best bits have been working in the Post room and the Stores. I 100 per cent loved it here.”

The Bee Hive’s Larrayn Kent said: “We are extremely grateful to St Andrew’s for agreeing to let Billy carry out some work experience on site. He got so much out of it and he hasn’t stopped talking about the work he carried out and all the wonderful people he got to meet.

For more information about The Beehive click here.