60 second with... apprentice project manager Samreen Gorman
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Samreen to talk about her apprenticeship journey and her experience working here at the Trust.
What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship with our Trust, and can you tell us a little more about your role?
I started my Project Management apprenticeship with Northumbria University in April 2024 and chose the Trust for several reasons. My mum works here in the theatre bookings department at Mount Vernon, so the Trust has always been familiar to me. I was also born at Hillingdon Hospital, which makes it feel like a full-circle moment to now be working here.
In my role as Senior Admin and Junior Project Manager, I have the opportunity to learn every day, contribute to meaningful work, and support projects that make a positive difference for both staff and patients.
Since starting your apprenticeship, what skills or tasks have you enjoyed learning the most?
I have really enjoyed developing my project planning skills. Managing timelines, working with a variety of stakeholders and supporting improvement projects across the Trust have all been rewarding parts of the role.
One of my favourite projects has been the AriaFlex mattress trial. It was fascinating to see how the technology could improve patient care. Instead of having to request a separate specialist mattress from bed maintenance, staff could simply plug this one in. It reduced the time needed to get patients the right equipment from around five hours to approximately ten minutes. Knowing a project has a genuine, human impact is what makes it enjoyable for me.
Your colleagues describe you as positive, calm and approachable. How do you stay grounded and supportive, especially on busy days?
I try to stay organised, and keeping lists definitely helps. Taking a few minutes to share a laugh with my colleagues also breaks up the day and keeps the mood light.
I have also learned not to hesitate when I need support. I work in an office filled with specialists from areas like tissue viability, workforce and corporate nursing, so there is always someone to learn from. Knowing I can ask questions and rely on others makes a big difference.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship?
You're never too old to start an apprenticeship. If you want to do it, go for it. Ask questions and make the most of meeting people across our Trust. When I started, I thought I would mainly work with the corporate team, but I now interact with ward managers, matrons, divisional directors, maternity teams and the PMO. Those connections have been invaluable.
Balancing work and study can be challenging, but it is manageable if you plan your time. Apprenticeships give you the chance to grow your skills while applying what you learn in real situations. It is a great way to build experience in a supportive environment.
If you could have any superpower to help you at work, what would it be?
Pausing time. It would be helpful to have a short moment to reset, organise my thoughts and prepare for the next task. A brief pause would create space for clarity and help keep everything running smoothly, especially on days with a lot happening.
What are your favourite ways to switch off and recharge after work?
I usually go to the gym straight after work, which helps me release any tension from the day. I also love reading. I mainly enjoy fiction, but I read the occasional non-fiction book too. Reading helps me switch off and step into a completely different world for a while.