Celebrating NHS apprentices in the north east

The region’s NHS recently recognised the outstanding dedication, hard work and enthusiasm of its apprentices with a ceremony hosted by Health Education England in the north east. The ceremony took place during National Apprenticeship Week on Friday 18 March.

The awards saw all 30 nominated apprentices awarded with a certificate for their achievements with apprentices who excelled in their work winning their category and receiving an award.

There were five categories in total and apprenticeship managers were invited to nominate those they felt deserved recognition for their commitment to their role.

Georgia Shaw, who is a Business Administration Apprentice with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, seconded to Health Education England scooped up ‘Advanced apprentice of the year’ with the ‘Intermediate apprentice of the year’ going to Kyle Peebles, an ambulance care assistant from the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. Kyle also picked up the award for the most committed apprentice.

The apprentice who has made the greatest contribution to patient experience/service delivery was Faye Ramage who is based at Newcastle Dental Hospital.  Ellie Gillon, from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was named the apprentice who has made the greatest progression.

Alex Glover, Local Director at Health Education England in the north east describes how important apprentices are to the NHS workforce:

We ensure that our workforce is trained and educated to deliver excellent compassionate patient care in the north east. A diverse workforce is needed to deliver this care and apprentices play a key part in ensuring we have the right skills to achieve this goal. The apprenticeship scheme allows trainees to learn practical skills in a real working environment while gaining qualifications in their chosen field. Each apprentice is supported throughout their learning by NHS staff working alongside them in their trust.

This is the fifth year we have held the Regional Apprenticeship Awards. It is a fantastic way to recognise and thank our apprentices for their contribution to delivering excellent patient care and to reward them for their efforts.

Apprenticeships are a great way to begin your career. You earn while you learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification and enjoy career progression opportunities. If you would like to apply to become an NHS apprentice visit www.hee.nhs.uk/ne to view our prospectus or contact the national apprenticeship service at www.apprenticeships.org.uk