From T Level to Trust – Sam Wasteney’s journey from college student to NHS professional
Our commitment to developing future talent saw us celebrate an important milestone, with our first T Level student securing a substantive role within the organisation. Our Barnsley community services and learning and development teams are celebrating this major success, as they welcome business and management T Level student Sam Wasteney to the Trust.
Sam joined the Trust in January 2024 as part of our business and management T Level placement trial, working in partnership with Barnsley College. He previously shared his experience and journey with the Trust in a blog for National Apprenticeship Week 2025.
T Levels are designed to give students 310 hours hands-on work experience in real work settings, in addition to their studies and exams at college. During his placement, Sam’s dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism quickly made an impression. Following the completion of his placement, when a role became available, Sam applied and successfully secured the job.
“I’m so happy,” Sam said after hearing the news. “I didn’t think I was going to get the role, but I have loved my placement. It has helped me gain invaluable experience that is so different to learning purely in a classroom setting and I’m so pleased a job came up that I could apply for. It’s like a dream!”
Sam’s success story is a great example of how T Levels can be an entry pathway into NHS careers, offering students not just experience, but real opportunities for employment and personal growth.
Apprenticeship lead Jenny Richmond added: “Congratulations to Sam, we’re delighted to have him join the Trust. His journey shows what’s possible when we open our doors to students. I just need more placements to offer students so we can continue building on this success. Both Sandra Lewis and I are incredibly proud of him—he’s been a fantastic asset to the team since day one.”
If any service or team within the Trust would be interested in hosting a long term T Level placement and support their journey, please contact Jenny Richmond for more information.
