22 Apr 2024 Community

The Kirkwood Spotlight: Jack Morris

Everyone who works for The Kirkwood is an important part of our team, each person has their own individual story and their own skill set which they bring to the organisation. The different personalities that work for our charity is what makes our movement so great to be involved with. 

Without The Kirkwood’s IT department, a lot of things that happen inside our charity wouldn’t be able to operate properly. Our IT department is made up of four talented individuals, one of which is Jack Morris. 

Jack joined the charity in 2022 after seeing an opportunity to work as an IT apprentice. After being with us for two years, Jack has recently finished his apprenticeship and has now taken up a full-time role within our charity. 

On his journey to this moment, Jack said: “It was 2022 and I was looking to start working full time as I had only finished college the year before. I was looking for apprenticeships and I saw that The Kirkwood were looking for an IT apprentice. I thought that was a great opportunity for me as it would have been a great start to my working career. 

“The process of being an apprentice was straightforward, I had to complete my coursework and I had online workshops with my tutor. 

“Since working for The Kirkwood I have experienced many things, both in IT and in the working world and so far it has been amazing, I have managed to gain lots of valuable experience and work in an amazing environment and culture.”

Jack who is 21 is enjoying his time at the charity and says he knew about us as an organisation after growing up in Almondbury. 

“I only knew that The Kirkwood had shops in Kirklees, I grew up in Almondbury so there is a shop in the village, I moved away from Kirklees when I was 12 but returned when I was 18 and have been living here since. Once I got involved with The Kirkwood I started to notice how we have been imprinted in the culture of Kirklees which is amazing to see.”

On why he enjoys working for us so much, Jack added: “Now that my apprenticeship has ended, I have managed to get a job with The Kirkwood full time as an IT technician so that is great.

“I feel there are still many things to learn and many more great experiences to have with The Kirkwood.

“I enjoy working for The Kirkwood a lot because the people that work for the charity are amazing and it is a very enriching job. 

“I also enjoy the fact that every day is different and that The Kirkwood has had and is having lots of changes with IT and it is exciting to be part of that and help make those changes.”

Now he has passed his apprenticeship, Jack is looking to learn much more in his full-time role and continue to improve his skills. He said: “I would like to continue with IT in my career as I find it fulfilling, I would like to keep working for The Kirkwood and rise through the ranks, but I know I will need to work hard to get to that point. 

“I have learnt a lot from my colleagues, and I am grateful to be part of this great team, the culture is great, and I have learnt a lot in my time here.

“Finally I would just like to say that I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given and I hope that more people will see The Kirkwood as a great place to work and to be involved in as it truly is one of those amazing places.” 

Finally Jack's manager Nick Barnett described Jack's contribution since working with The Kirkwood and said he is a valued member of the team. 

He said: "Jack has made an exceptional start to his career with The Kirkwood. He's readily embraced the ethos of the organisation and has achieved several project milestones, including patient VR headsets and the signing-in system. 

“Jack has become a valued member of the IT team and contributes much to the benefit of the department, wider colleagues and in turn patients and their families.”