Learning the ropes as a graduate trainee

One of our current residents in training is Caley Witchell, a graduate from the University of Plymouth who was recently nominated for the Cornwall 30 under 30, which recognises the region’s brightest business talent. Since joining in 2024, Caley has begun to earn her stripes in supporting our healthcare planning team on UK and Middle East projects. As part of her role, she contributes to the development of clinical briefs and Schedules of Accommodations, organises site visits and stakeholder engagement sessions, and much more.

Caley’s colleagues appreciate her strong initiative in identifying ways to improve how the team works. She has introduced new tools and systems that have helped streamline workflows and improve efficiency. This includes establishing a more effective process for recording lessons learned, ensuring we capture knowledge more effectively and apply it to future work.

While learning on the job is a big part of the programme, Caley says her degree Applied Computing Technology has helped her perform well in her role.

“Doing a well-rounded degree provided me with a variety of skills to effectively support the team. It gave me a solid base from where I could build my skills further.

My programming and graphic design skills have allowed me to develop useful systems and processes for the team. I’m working on a Schedules of Accommodation builder that will eventually help automate the standardisation of our work.”

What’s her advice for graduates entering their first roles?

“Give yourself time to learn and don’t be afraid to ask questions and step outside your comfort zone.  Health planning was completely new to me, but asking questions and letting myself be a beginner, with the support of my team, helped me grow.”

Where does she want to be in five years’ time?

“I see myself taking more responsibility on projects with potential for leading them. I will have developed more knowledge in the other areas of the company, including equipment and technology, and design.”

Beyond her project work, Caley has played an important role in shaping the company culture. She has been a key member of the company’s social committee, organising fun activities. And she bakes, really well.

Her favourite baked good?

“I prefer my homemade chocolate chip cookies. I like a cookie for dipping.  I’m not picky on the tea’s brew but has to be with oat milk.”