Recognising excellence through the Hoelen 8 Award
Arun Jacob, a Healthcare Assistant at the Princess of Wales Hospital, has been recognised as a winner of Educ8 Training’s Hoelen8 Award, celebrating his outstanding dedication to patient care and his inspiring commitment to learning the Welsh language.
Currently completing his Clinical Healthcare Level 2 Apprenticeship, Arun plays a vital role within the hospital’s busy emergency unit. Working in such a fast-paced clinical environment requires resilience, empathy and strong communication skills.
A Hoelen 8 (plural: hoelion wyth) is a traditional Welsh expression meaning “eight-inch nail” – something long, strong and used to build solid structures. Figuratively, it refers to an exceptional member of an organisation or community.
From business studies to bedside care
Before relocating to Wales, Arun completed a master’s degree in business administration in India. However, his career direction changed profoundly when he became a carer for his grandmother. Supporting her during times of vulnerability sparked a desire to pursue a role where he could help others.
Now working in emergency healthcare, Arun supports patients with their immediate needs, assists clinical teams, and offers reassurance during difficult moments. He works with a diverse range of individuals every day and approaches each person with a clear philosophy: everyone deserves respect.
His eagerness to deepen his knowledge and understanding of the healthcare sector led him to enrol on the Clinical Healthcare Level 2 Apprenticeship with Educ8 Training.
“I feel like I can learn new knowledge and new ideas.”
Developing skills through a clinical healthcare apprenticeship
Working in an emergency unit means no two days are the same. Healthcare assistants must prioritise patient care quickly, communicate clearly, and remain calm under pressure.
Through his apprenticeship, Arun is learning more about effective patient communication, professional practice and delivering high-quality clinical support. The qualification is helping him build confidence in a demanding healthcare setting while strengthening his understanding of best practice.
Balancing study with full-time work and family life, including being a father to a young baby, is no small task. However, Arun credits the structured support from Educ8 Training and his trainer coach, Sharon Lovering, for helping him succeed.
Learning Welsh to better support patients
One of the most inspiring aspects of Arun’s journey is his independent commitment to learning Welsh.
English is not Arun’s first language. Having moved from India to Wales, he has already navigated adapting to a new culture and healthcare system. Despite this, he has proactively chosen to learn Welsh to better integrate into the community and support his young daughter, who will attend Welsh-medium school.
His trainer coach, Sharon Lovering, recalls that during their first meeting Arun shared that he sometimes struggles with English and felt that she was the first person to clearly explain things to him. Even so, he continues to seek knowledge independently.
Arun showed Sharon his personal notebook filled with vocabulary written in both English and Welsh, proudly practising pronunciation and sentence structure. He now uses Welsh words and phrases with patients whenever possible, helping them feel understood and respected.
Sharon nominated Arun for the Hoelen 8 Award after witnessing his drive to improve his language skills and professional practice. She highlighted his independence, resilience and enthusiasm for learning.
Through flexible support, clear guidance and encouragement, Educ8 Training has helped Arun balance work, study and family life. His experience demonstrates how apprenticeships in Wales provide inclusive opportunities for learners from all backgrounds to grow in confidence and capability.
Building a future in Welsh healthcare
Arun’s journey, from completing a master’s degree in India to delivering frontline care in a Welsh emergency department, is one of perseverance and purpose.
Through his Clinical Healthcare Level 2 Apprenticeship, he is strengthening his clinical knowledge, improving communication skills and embracing the Welsh language in healthcare settings.
As a Hoelen8 Award winner, Arun represents resilience and compassion. His story reflects the power of apprenticeships to transform careers, support integration into Welsh communities, and ultimately improve patient care.
Find out more about our Clinical Healthcare apprenticeships here: Clinical Healthcare Support – Educ8
