Awards celebrate success in Health Apprenticeships

The second annual Health Apprenticeship Awards, which is a initiative set up by the South West Strategic Health Authority, Skills for Health and the National Apprenticeship Service, were held last week to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of the NHS apprentices. The ceremony, on Thursday 9 February, was held to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week.

Over 100 nominations were made by employers, apprentices and others associated with the health sector, and a number of awards were presented at a special ceremony at the Learning and Research Building at North Bristol NHS Trust.

Jane Hadfield, Assistant Director of Human Resources and Development for North Bristol Trust said: “We are delighted that the ceremony was a huge success and we are pleased to congratulate the winners for the recognition of their hard work, it’s been great to be able to share their achievements and successes.”

South West apprentices Emily Copper Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Susan Siddle North Bristol NHS Trust were both announced as NHS Apprentices of the Year at the Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeship levels 2&3. Emily Cooper, who has completed her NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care said “I’m thrilled to have won this award. Working as an apprentice for Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust allowed me to gain several qualifications and at the same time to get real work experience. I enjoyed helping patients to take part in social activities and build links with their local community.

Carly Collins, Apprenticeship Project Officer & Support Lead, of Cornwall Partnership Foundation NHS Trust Said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Emily and one she should be very proud of. By undertaking her apprenticeship she has developed her knowledge and has a strong skill base from which she can take her career forward”

Susan Siddle , who has completed her NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare , said The apprenticeship has given her so much confidence and developed her knowledge and skills to support service delivery. Sue left school at 15 with no qualifications and has shown that it is never too late to start learning and achieving.

Yvonne Greenwood (Apprenticeship Lead at North Bristol NHS Trust) said “Sue has shown real commitment to her learning. Her positive attitude and eagerness to learn enabled her to overcome a number of challenges to complete her apprenticeship in record time. The knowledge and skills that she has developed has greatly benefited the service and given her an opportunity to progress in her career. Sue is a true role model for others undertaking their apprenticeship in health”.

Amanda Shobrook Apprenticeship Lead for the South West Strategic Health Authority said “The Health Awards Ceremony has been a fantastic and enjoyable event for everyone. It has been a pleasure to meet such hard working individuals and recognise their achievements across a wide range of disciplines and areas of the health service. By acknowledging the training opportunities in the region and rewarding the learners, we hope to encourage more individuals and organisations to take part in these awards in the future. They are a true celebration of success.”