"The apprenticeship will help with my career, if I want to apply for managerial and supervisor jobs in future. It will open up great opportunities.”
Apprenticeship opens up ‘great opportunities’, says hospital domestic
Domestic Sushila Katuwaln works in a hospital in Southampton cleaning wards and doing general cleaning.
Sushila, who is originally from Nepal, has been working for major global contractor Serco for nine years.
She began a Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship eight months ago and it is going well.
Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprentices learn a wide range of skills including the correct use of cleaning agents, the right procedures, how to use equipment correctly and how to dispose of cleaning products and materials safely.
She said: “I am enjoying learning and pleased to have the opportunity. The apprenticeship will help with my career, if I want to apply for managerial and supervisor jobs in future. It will open up great opportunities.”
In the healthcare environment, high levels of cleanliness and hygiene are essential to prevent and control infections and protect everyone on-site.
Sushila said: “Cleaning is a satisfying job. The company is very helpful if we have any problems.
“Keeping the wards and hospital clean is very important. Having a clean hospital makes everyone happy. It reduces illnesses and sickness for visitors, patients and staff, reduces the risks for everyone. Having a clean environment in the hospital is very important.”
Sushila said she would recommend career in cleaning due to the vast opportunities of professional growth, personal satisfaction that comes with directly contributing to the recovery of patients in a healthcare environment, as well as being financially rewarding.