Hospital apprentices recognised at awards ceremony

The hospital currently has more than 200 staff members undertaking apprenticeships in a variety of clinical and non-clinical roles.

These apprenticeships range from Level 2, equivalent to GCSEs, up to Level 7, equivalent to a master's degree.

The awards ceremony, organised by the trust's apprenticeship team, featured 12 categories to honour those excelling in their studies and embodying the Trust's values.

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The 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, Dorset County Hospital's Deputy Chief People Officer, presented the winners with their certificates.

She said: "Studying and learning whilst 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.

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Student Nursing Associate, Peter Spurr, who was awarded Apprentice of the Year, said: "I was working as a senior drug and alcohol treatment worker in general practice.

"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."