I was having a dig at the concept of the FD. There are so many different academic paths it can be confusing: C&G, HNC/D, NVQ, FD etc. I recall a previous thread on this. Unfortunately the NHS is not set up to allow apprentice types to progress easily. As mentioned earlier on in this post all grades are treated as separate jobs. I suppose the thing to remeber about the NHS is that its core personnel are nurses and doctors and they don't understand the requirements of an engineering/ maintenance workforce. NHS Biomeds, estates lads etc. have to "fit in".
