Wirral University Teaching Hospital staff member wins Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award

250 guests gathered at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms to witness the inaugural UK Life Science Skills Awards, organised by Cogent, the strategic skills body for the science industries. The event, which took place on Thursday evening, 16th May, saw 30 finalists and 11 winners take to the stage to receive Awards across ten categories. Plus an extra, special Award for Excellence in Skills.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, who launched the Awards, said: “the UK’s life science industry is exciting, innovative and ground-breaking, and I’m thrilled to celebrate its continuing success.

Diane Skillen from Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award (Award sponsored by Biocatalysts)

Diane is currently undertaking an Advanced Apprenticeship in Health Pathology Support. Her job requires her to accept and book tissue samples into the laboratory and she is also responsible for the material kept at the off-site storage facility, amongst other things. Diane is going to continue in her current job role, while looking in to the qualifications required for her to apply for a band 4 position.

Dr Ellen Patrick, Wirral Metropolitan College said:

Diane is highly motivated and interested in her job role and has a good understanding of the histopathology process.