Hard work pays off for hospital apprentice

WELL done . . . (from left) host Justin Moorhouse, Bury College assessor Catherine Lee, Kerry O'Keefe and head of youth initiatives Nicola Hutchins

A ROYAL Oldham Hospital apprentice is celebrating after being presented with the prestigious Higher Apprentice of the Year award at the Skills of Business Awards.

Kerry O'Keefe, who works as a project facilitator for shared decision making at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, was recognised for her exceptional achievements during her level 5 higher apprenticeship in leadership and management at The Royal Oldham Hospital.

The role involves working with subject matter experts and managing a team of trainers who are responsible for the development and delivery of core training across the Pennine Acute Trust estate.

Kerry (43) said: "I was pleasantly surprised and extremely proud to be nominated and shortlisted for Higher Apprentice of the Year, and even more so to actually win the award.

"It is wonderful to be appreciated and have my achievements recognised in such a way.

"The support I receive from Bury College is excellent and my assessor is extremely responsive".

The Bury College apprentice was presented with the award at the annual event, which celebrates the contributions skills and learning make to businesses across Greater Manchester.

Catherine Lee, Kerry's assessor at Bury College, added: "I am thrilled that Kerry has received this recognition of her hard work on the Level 5 higher apprenticeship in leadership and management.

"Kerry has been an exceptional student balancing the demands of the higher apprenticeship with a challenging job role and achieving a work promotion along the way.

"Higher apprenticeships in management are a great opportunity for both new and experienced managers to gain vital managerial skills alongside their job role and I am pleased I have been able to support Kerry in achieving this qualification."