Meet David, a switchboard operator at Aneurin Bevan Health Board

David is registered blind having lost most of his sight as a child, he is assisted by his wonderful companion KP, a black two-year-old Labrador guide dog.

David’s initial perception of Apprenticeships was that they were for traditional routes such as electricians and mechanics. He had no idea that administration, customer service, health and social care were also a route people could take.

He has taken a wealth of knowledge from his Apprenticeship and feels this has given him a real sense of confidence within his role. At first, David was a bit apprehensive but with the help of his assessor, he was able to complete his units by voice recordings instead of typing his evidence.

The health board have supported David within his role by purchasing JAWS (Job Access with Speech) software. This provides a speech output of the inbound telephone number, and the number David dials. They have also arranged transport for David to and from the hospitals with Access to Work.

David’s busy lifestyle outside of work sees him as a divisional officer in Ebbw Vale of the St Johns Ambulance Wales, he trains dressage horses and has even received the British Empire medal in 2016 for services to the NHS, and to voluntary and charitable services.

As a member of the health board’s Disability Advisory group, David has also carried out awareness training for the board on visual impairment and is a member of the Organ and Tissue Donation committee which is a cause he holds dear due to receiving a heart transplant himself in 2011.

David would recommend an Apprenticeship to anyone and to fully explore the many different opportunities available. He plans to continue with the Aneurin Bevan Health Board and continue his learning with t2 group.