Twenty-nine young people have been celebrated at an NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) awards ceremony following the successful completion of their Modern Apprenticeships.
Scotland’s largest health board offered apprenticeships in a range of job areas to help young people gain access to quality training opportunities in partnership with Glasgow Clyde College.
All apprentices signed up to a learning programme with on-the-job training roles including nursing assistants, radiotherapy assistants, healthcare support workers and administrators.
In addition to the 29 graduates, another 50 are set to be confirmed in roles for 2015-16 programme.
At the ceremony, Hannah Docherty was declared Modern Apprentice of the Year for demonstrating consistently outstanding ability and commitment during the course. In addition, three runner up awards, all supported by public service unions Unison and Unite, were also presented.
Hannah Docherty from Barlanark was delighted to be announced overall winner award. Training as a health care support worker, Hannah has gone from strength to strength over the last year.
Hannah said: “I was so honoured to be nominated, so it’s brilliant to have actually won. It’s thanks to the great team I work with that I won as they’ve given me great support.
“I’d definitely recommend Modern Apprenticeships to other people. It has allowed me to learn on the job and see everything with my own eyes rather than just learning off a page in a book.
“I have a caring nature so I want to look after people. Having contact with patients is the best part of the job and makes it a hundred times better.”
Andrew Robertson, NHSGGC chairman, said: “During my time as chairman it has given me a great sense of pride to attend celebration events marking each intakes success.
“The modern apprenticeship programme offers young people the opportunity to develop real hands-on skills that can change their lives.
“I firmly believe that by investing time and training in our young people at this stage, we are building on an already highly skilled workforce.”
Duncan McDougall, Director of International Business and Commercial Development, Glasgow Clyde College, said: “Glasgow Clyde College is very proud of our work with Modern Apprentices and the links we’ve established with the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
“The opportunity for learning on site, hands-on experience and picking up valuable vocational qualifications at the same time are excellent. I think the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been trailblazers with their impressive commitment to providing superb apprenticeship opportunities across an amazing range of occupational skill areas within the National Health Service.
“Well done to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for leading on a first-class programme which I am sure will be of interest to other organisations seeking to emulate their success.
“I’m so proud that Glasgow Clyde College was chosen by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as a provider of vocational education and training and our contribution to the success of this programme.”
Donald Sime, Unite branch secretary said: “The Modern Apprenticeship programme is an excellent example of the investment progressive employers can make to transform the lives of young people in our communities. We as a branch are pleased again to recognise the work of these young adults by sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year awards.”
Cathy Miller, Unison branch Secretary said: “This has been another exceptional year in the standard of commitment and enthusiasm from our Modern Apprentices. That is why it was extremely difficult to choose from the finalists that were presented to us. Whilst we have formally acknowledged 10 MAs here today recognition needs to go to all our excellent Modern Apprentices.”
Hosted at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital’s Teaching & Learning building, the event was attended by health and college staff along with union representatives who presented the awards on behalf of members.