Hard work pays off for audiologist

A newly qualified Audiologist, who left school before completing her A-levels, has urged others to ‘never give up’ after landing a job she loves at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital.

Deanne Taylor had decided A-levels were not the route for her and instead looked for a job in the NHS.

She became a clerical officer in Audiology and started an NVQ in business administration.

The 38-year-old said she loved working in the Audiology department from the beginning.

She said: “I learnt so much as a clerical officer. I was at the front of the reception and met all kinds of different people. You had to adapt and learn quickly.”

Deanne then decided she wanted to learn more about hearing aids.

She said: “I found it really interesting and wanted to learn more about how they worked, so I learnt how to check if they weren’t working and watched how to repair a hearing aid.”

Following her return from maternity leave in 2008, Deanne went part time. She was then offered a role as an Audiology Support Officer in 2014.

She said: “This was great for me as it was more learning, but I could also still do some reception work.

“I still really wanted to be an Audiologist, but I didn’t have my maths GCSE, so I completed my functional skills Level 2 and then looked for a healthcare apprenticeship. After completing that, I became an Assistant Audiologist, and after four years, I recently became a fully qualified Audiologist by completing my Level 6 Health Care Science degree.

“It has been tough and a lot of work. There were times when I wanted to give up. But I have an amazing family, and my friends helped me. Also, my colleagues have been fantastic.

“I feel a massive sense of achievement now, and I am so pleased to have achieved my dream.”

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust offers various pathways for people to begin or advance their careers, including apprenticeships, work experience, and traditional employment.

For more information, email rwh-tr.wblapprenticeships@nhs.net