Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and its apprentices celebrated a highly successful evening at the News and Observer Apprenticeship Awards 2024. The Trust received six nominations, resulting in five ‘Highly Commended’ certificates and one winning trophy. The News & Observer Apprenticeship Awards ceremony took place on Thursday 24 October, at The Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth. The event recognises achievements by local apprenticeship training providers, employers, and their apprentices. Solent NHS Trust, which has since become Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was nominated for ‘Large Employer of the Year’. In addition, three of the Trust’s apprentices were nominated for a total of five awards.
The Trust’s nomination for ‘Large Employer of the Year’ reflects its dedication to enhancing staff’s progression in their careers through the power of apprenticeships. The Apprenticeship Team actively encourages line managers and colleagues to nominate apprentices who exemplify the Trust’s values and contribute to workplace developments.
In recent years, the Trust has recruited apprentices from outside the organisation, giving individuals the chance to start building their career journey. The Apprenticeship Team is the backbone to the Trust’s apprenticeship success, with over 400 apprentices on programme, making up over 3 per cent of the Trust’s workforce, meaning there are many apprentices to celebrate.
- Danielle Doyle, the Trust’s first Chartered Surveyor apprentice graduate was in the running for ‘Health & Public Service’ award, ‘Degree Apprentice’ award and the ‘Professional Services’ award.
- Bethany Meredith, Level 5 Operational Manager apprentice graduate from the Trust’s Adults Services was nominated by colleagues for the ‘Higher Apprentice’ award.
- Kirsty Vale, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner apprentice working in the Trust’s Urgent Community Response Team was nominated by colleagues for the ‘Health & Public Service’ award
Each of the Trust’s nominations received a ‘Highly commended’ certificate for their incredible efforts. Additionally, Danielle Doyle won the ‘Health & Public Service’ award for her incredible achievements. Danielle graduated from her five-year apprenticeship whilst working in the Estates, Facilities and Asset Management service line within the Trust.
Bernadette Cherry, Head of Asset Management and Danielle’s line manager, said: “Danielle has been a great support to me in my whole time in the NHS, often also stepping up to undertake tasks beyond her defined role. To obtain such a high-level degree whilst so ably supporting the team in her working role is a true testament to her determination and capabilities.”