An apprentice from Waterside Medical Centre in Leamington Spa, has been shortlisted for the forthcoming West Midlands 2016 NHS Apprenticeship Recognition Awards.
The awards, which will take place at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham on Friday, 5 February, recognise the contribution of apprentices and their employers to the NHS. With an unprecedented number of entries this year, Kate has been selected as a finalist in the Primary and Community Care Apprentice of the Year category.
At sixteen, Kate started at Waterside Medical Centre, after successfully applying for a Business Administration apprenticeship position. Having recently completed her apprenticeship, she has now been taken on by the practice as a full time member of staff.
Kate said: “I didn’t feel the traditional route of A levels and university was right for me and I wanted to do something more practical. The apprenticeship at Waterside Medical Centre has been a fantastic opportunity to learn on the job. I’ve gained so many new skills and am much more confident as a result.
“I am delighted to be a finalist and am really looking forward to the awards ceremony. I’m very grateful to the Waterside Medical Centre for the fantastic support they have given me throughout my apprenticeship and now as a member of their permanent team.”
Practice Manager, Tim Morris, said: “Kate has been a real asset to the medical centre. She has brought a fresh perspective to our work, particularly in helping us to engage with our patients more effectively and in delivering specific projects. We’ve seen real benefits to patients, including more people coming in for a health check and better support for people who have frequently been admitted to hospital in the past.”
“We are very proud that she has been selected as a finalist, which is a reflection of her hard work and determination.”
The South Warwickshire GP (SWGP) federation, which includes Waterside Medical Centre, is encouraging more of its practices to consider taking on an apprentice. More information for employers can be found at http://www.nsahealth.org.uk/apprenticeships-information-for-employers
For anyone interested in apprenticeship opportunities in the healthcare sector, visit: http://www.nsahealth.org.uk/apprenticeships