Jennie Leyden
12 May 2026
•2 min read
Breaking barriers and changing direction
I started my working life far from a hospital, breaking barriers as the first female mechanic at Fords before serving as a soldier and later a police officer. Every role I've held across these different sectors was fuelled by a deep commitment to helping other people develop their own skills and reach their goals. I’ve learned that life isn't about following a straight line, but about finding where your passion can make a significant difference to your local community.
I left school at 15 to study mechanical engineering and eventually joined the British Army where I found my calling as a healthcare support worker. During my 22 years of military service, I worked in hospitals in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan, treating casualties of war and helping staff complete qualifications. These experiences taught me that being authentic is the most important part of making a real impact on the lives of those around you every day.
Stepping up to make a difference
While working as a healthcare support worker in a brain injury unit, I spotted a secondment for an associate practice educator role that felt right. I felt some hesitation because of the jump to a senior role, but I believed my military skills gave me the strength to bridge that gap. I walked into my interview with a folder full of commendations from my time in the army to prove I was ready for this new responsibility.
Now I'm one of only 3 associate practice educators in the region, helping our healthcare support workers grow through inductions and regular one-to-one mentoring sessions. These staff members are the backbone of patient care, and seeing their confidence grow after our training sessions makes me feel proud of my workplace. I’ll always remember helping a colleague from Nigeria overcome challenges to graduate as an assistant practitioner, which showed me how much empowerment changes a person’s story.
Following your own happiness
The best advice I ever received was from my late mother, who was a nurse and told me to always do whatever makes me happy. Staying true to myself was the most empowering decision of my career because it allowed me to pursue my passion for education without any regrets. I’ve learned that potential is everywhere, and I want to be the person who helps others see that strength within themselves every single day.
Looking back, I wouldn't change a single step of my pathway because every challenge has helped me grow into the resilient and compassionate person I am today. My unique background is my greatest strength, and it allows me to bring a completely different perspective to the training room every single morning. I’m proud to show that you can start in a garage or the army and still end up exactly where you’re meant to be.
Ready to start your own career story?
You don't need to follow a linear pathway to achieve career success, so take the leap and see where your skills lead you. Don't wait until "the right time", because your unique experiences could make you a great candidate for a role in our teams.