TOM Hudson started as a general labourer with the estates team three years ago, finding the job through an agency before going on a bank contract.

Recently gaining a full-time position at the hospital, he has been offered further training, with the Trust funding the last stage of a plumbing NVQ.

Tom, 29, said: “For the last two years, I have worked at the hospital and put myself through college up to Level 2 of plumbing.

"AThis opportunity will allow me to continue it as I needed to get a full time contract before doing Level 3. It will take another year to complete the qualification and once I have got that, I can be a plumber anywhere.”

Tom is one of nine in the new works team.

“We do building work around the hospital,” he said.

“One day, we can be refurbishing a whole ward, involved in structural changes like removing walls, and another day, we can be working in staff accommodation, ripping out kitchens and replacing them.”