Double win for Derriford Apprentices

Abby Morgan winner of the Inspirational Apprentice Award, Chantelle Lea who was awarded the Higher Apprentice of the Year Award and Ann James, Chief Executive of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust

There was double cause for celebration after the South West Regional Health Sector Apprenticeship Awards 2015 when two of our apprentices scooped awards.

Chantelle Lea, who works in the Pathology Department, was awarded the Higher Apprentice of the Year Award (Level 4+) and communications apprentice, Abby Morgan, received the NHS Inspirational Apprentice Award. The award ceremony was run by Health Education South West and was held at the Holiday Inn, Taunton.

Chantelle was invited to open the awards ceremony with a speech about her apprenticeship journey, which started with the Trust in August 2010 when she was 17 years old. Chantelle has since gone on to complete a level 2 and 3 apprenticeship in Business Administration and is now undertaking a Higher Apprenticeship and completing a Technical Certificate.

Chantelle was nominated by her manager, Kelly Haynes-Brown for being a very conscientious member of the team, with a positive attitude and for her willingness to help others out.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Chantelle said: “I was thrilled to be shortlisted and recognised for my work and it was great to be announced as the winner of the Higher Apprentice of the Year Award.”
The last award of the evening went to Abby, who joined the Communications Team in July 2014 and is currently working towards the completion of her level 2 apprenticeship. Abby was nominated by her manager, Brydie Bruce, and was commended for showing great empathy, having a very strong set of values and having a very good understanding of the environment in which she works.

Abby said: “When they called out my name I was ecstatic; I never expected it. I thoroughly enjoy my job and believe it has improved my confidence in many different ways. Before I started the apprenticeship, it was always something I wanted to do but wasn’t sure how to get into it. No one day is ever the same in our office, which I find exciting and this role has already given me opportunities that I never thought I would have.”

Ann James, Chief Executive of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “Abby and Chantelle’s success really demonstrates that we are developing great leaders for the future. They already make a tremendous contribution to their colleagues and the Trust and are truly inspiring.”

If you are interested in an apprenticeship at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust please contact Mandy Johnson, Learning and Development Trainer on 01752 437140.