Member Article

Teesside Apprentice aiming for national award

Teesside University graduate Nicola Harker is hoping for the public to vote for her in the finals of the National Apprenticeship Champion of the Year 2013.

Nicola graduated with a BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies at the University after completing her apprenticeship in Health and Social Care with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough.

Getting through to the national final has been a fantastic achievement.

“I am completely over the moon and overwhelmed with being put forward,” she said.

“I have received so much fantastic support and hope that one last push for votes will get me to winning the final.

“The award so far has allowed me to use my experience to promote the work based learning route into Higher Education and to motivate and inspire others to aim higher.”

The award, which is part of the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards 2013, recognises former apprentices who have made exceptional achievements since completing their qualification and who have subsequently gone on to promote and champion apprenticeships to the local community and beyond.

Dean of the School of Health and Social Care, Professor Paul Keane, said: “The University supports many different routes into higher education and Nicola is a great example of the support we offer.”

On completing her apprenticeship and degree Nicola said: “My time at Teesside University and my apprenticeship has transformed me into a dedicated healthcare professional and led to me securing a nursing position in the hospital’s Critical Care Unit.”

The final stage of the competition is open to public vote until Friday October 11.

To support Nicola, go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards/nationalapprenticeshipawards/vote.aspx

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .