THE achievements of apprentices at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

DCH currently has more than 200 staff undertaking apprenticeships across clinical and non-clinical roles, and at different levels – from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) through to a Level 7 (master’s degree).

Organised by the trust’s Apprenticeship team, there were 12 award categories to recognise those that are excelling in their studies and demonstrating the trust’s values.

DCH apprentice awards winners were:
Rising Star Award: Sam Spracklen
Outstanding Academic Performance Award: Rob Membury
Best Attitude Award: Joanna Ballard
Most Improved Apprentice Award: Lydia Dare
Role Model Apprenticeship Award: Lucinda Harris
Extraordinary Effort Award: Carly Brimacombe
Best Classroom Participation Award: Beverley Lagden
Most Dedicated Apprentice Award: Debra Castle
Commitment to Professional Development: Anna Elford
Excellence in Functional Skills Award: Katie Ballard
Exceptional Mentor Award: Sophia Trim
Apprentice of the Year Award: Pete Spurr

Emma Hallett, DCH’s deputy chief people officer, presented the winners with their certificates.

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She said: “Studying and learning while working takes commitment, tenacity and considerable effort, so it is important that we celebrate our apprentices and their achievements.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners and to all our apprentices for their hard work and dedication.

“I am very proud of our commitment to apprenticeships at Dorset County Hospital. They give staff the opportunity to develop their skillset and further their careers; while making sure our workforce has the skills to provide excellent care to our patients.”

Student nursing associate, Peter Spurr, was awarded Apprentice of the Year.

“I was working as a senior drug and alcohol treatment worker in general practice,” he said. “I loved it, but wanted to be more hands-on, so when the opportunity came up to apply to become a Student Nursing Associate Apprentice, I jumped at the chance.

“It’s not easy working full time while learning and writing assignments.

“However, by having the most amazing and encouraging support from my DCH colleagues, lecturers at Bournemouth and Poole College, fellow students and my family, I’ve managed to excel in my studies and develop my clinical skills.

“If you are thinking of a career change, I would say an apprenticeship is the best way to do it. I cannot thank DCH enough for the opportunity to learn and be supported in my new, and hopefully long, career in nursing.”

The awards were supported by the trust’s training providers; Weymouth College, University of Exeter, Southampton Solent University, Bournemouth and Poole College, and CSR Scientific Training LTD.