Amidst the everyday challenges of maintaining the critical infrastructure at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, there are many stories of staff dedication, skill and mentorship that deserve to be highlighted. One such story is that of Ted Paice, an apprentice in our Estates team and his mentor, Senior Mechanical Engineer Pete Woodhouse. Together, they exemplify the spirit of learning, growth and excellence that drives our team forward.
Ted Paice may be an apprentice, but he’s already making waves with his exceptional talent and commitment. His recent achievements have caught the attention of both his peers and industry professionals. Back in June, during his Boiler Operation Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) course, Ted’s performance was so outstanding that his trainer, Mike Maslanka, felt compelled to reach out and share his praise. This was no ordinary course completion – Mike described how impressed he was with Ted’s knack for asking insightful questions and solving complex problems that even seasoned professionals found challenging. Ted was consistently the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave, all the while maintaining a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
Mel Tranmer, Estates Compliance Manager, echoed these sentiments, recalling how the team recognised Ted’s potential from the moment he joined a year ago.
Mel Tranmer, Estates Compliance Manager at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said: “We knew he had talent and he is so interested in his work and eager to learn more. We’ve done everything we can to nurture that willingness to learn and expand his skill set, which is why we sent him on this prestigious course while he’s still an apprentice”.
Ted’s capabilities were further demonstrated in July, when one of the trust’s hired main boilers – a critical piece of equipment at the trust – experienced a failure in its low water alarms. Ted’s quick thinking and initiative were instrumental in preventing what could have been a significant issue. He identified the problem, alerted his supervisors and helped ensure that the backup systems were in place while the necessary repairs were made.
Dave Burling, Estates Supervisor, noted that the hire company’s engineer was astonished by the boiler’s condition, calling it “the best maintained boiler he had seen on hire” with combustion readings that matched those taken at the factory – a rarity in the industry.
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But behind Ted’s success is the quiet but impactful guidance of Pete Woodhouse. Pete’s role as a mentor goes beyond passing on technical knowledge; it’s about instilling a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Jamie Russell, Estates Supervisor at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust described Pete as “an absolute credit to the Trust”, praising his determination to train not just apprentices like Ted, but everyone who could benefit from his vast expertise. Pete’s commitment to developing his team is a cornerstone of their professional success.
In a final confirmation to Ted’s growing reputation, the company that runs the BOAS course offered him a job – a significant recognition of his skills and potential. Ted is one of the youngest BOAS qualified engineer in the country. However, Ted, demonstrating his loyalty and belief in the value of his apprenticeship at SASH, turned down the offer to continue his journey with us.
Ted Paice and Pete Woodhouse are shining examples of the talent and dedication that exist within our Estates team. Their story is a reminder that behind every well-maintained boiler and every smooth-running facility, there are individuals who go above and beyond, not just for the job at hand, but for the future of SASH.
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Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our team, showcasing the diverse talents and achievements of our dedicated staff.