QHB's Emergency Department surprise Healthcare Support Worker Amy Millar with certificate of achievement gained through UHDB's apprenticeship scheme
Amy Millar, a former sixth-form student at Abbot Beyne School, has spoken of her pride as she recently qualified as a Band three Healthcare assistant at Queen's Hospital Burton (QHB) through University Hospitals of Derby and Burton's (UHDB) apprenticeship scheme.
Colleagues from UHDB and Derby College recognised Amy's achievements as she gained a distinction in the UHDB apprenticeship programme. To celebrate her accomplishments, Kirsty Harker, Senior Sister, and Evemarie Rushton, Lead Education Nurse in QHB's Emergency department (ED), who have been training Amy for 15 months, arranged for a surprise presentation of her certificate to be awarded in front of her colleagues.
The team wanted to recognise Amy's achievements, and spoke highly of her contributions at work. Kirsty said: “Amy is a wonderful, hardworking, and passionate member of the team here in ED. We work in such a busy, fast-paced environment, yet her ability to treat staff and patients with kindness and empathy shines through significantly. We are very proud as a department, yet not surprised that she has qualified with such a remarkable grade. This is evident in the hard work she shows working within the Emergency department.”
Among those present were Amanda Rawlings, UHDB Chief People Officer, Joy Borrington, UHDB Clinical Educator, and Elaine Whotton, from Derby College who had been Amy’s assessor during the course.
Amanda Rawlings shared that Amy should feel proud of her accomplishment: "Everybody talks about Amy with such a warm glow. It's not just about her as a student but about her being part of this team here at the Emergency department at QHB."
Beginning her apprenticeship journey in the summer of 2023 just weeks after finishing sixth form, Amy explained: "I was looking at different options across universities and apprenticeships as I knew I really wanted to go into a healthcare setting."
Considering her options during the pandemic meant she missed out on hands-on opportunities to volunteer in care homes due to Covid-19 restrictions, which meant her apprenticeship at QHB was her first real experience in a healthcare setting. She embraced the opportunity of gaining practical experience, saying: "I knew this was a good option for me especially as I could gain experience at the same time as studying."
Amy explained how choosing an apprenticeship route is beneficial when considering starting a new career due to the support in place: “The support you get from everyone around you is amazing, and if it’s something you’re really interested in, I think it’s a great way to dive in and see everything. When I joined, I was very shy. This apprenticeship has really brought me out of my shell, and I’m much more talkative now. Improving my confidence was one of the reasons I joined the scheme.”
As well as focussing on her own workload, Amy took on the responsibility of supporting other apprentices along the way. “We have a few apprentices come down from the wards to see what it’s like in ED, and I support them by showing them around and what different areas look like and do.”
Now qualified as a Healthcare Assistant, Amy is looking ahead to the next steps in her healthcare career. “I'm looking to get all of my qualifications for my band three healthcare role, and then I’m wanting to train to become a Nursing Associate,” she explains. After completing that, Amy hopes to top up her qualifications to become a registered nurse.
The apprenticeship scheme available at UHDB supports colleagues with their career aspirations and is open to anyone wanting to expand their knowledge and expertise. Amanda Rawlings explains: "Amy's accomplishment highlights not only her personal dedication but sheds a light on the vital role healthcare support workers play in the wider healthcare system and what UHDB are doing to support apprentices on their career journey.
"The apprenticeship programme we have available here at UHDB truly shows how the Trust encourages colleagues to stay, grow and thrive within our organisation."
Apprenticeships at UHDB
Apprenticeships provide routes into a variety of careers at UHDB, and are an excellent opportunity to earn, gain work experience and achieve nationally recognised qualifications at the same time.
Ranging from entry level up to level seven, apprenticeships will offer support at the most appropriate starting point for each individual.
Apprenticeships are open to everyone, with no upper age limit, however applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have Maths and English GCSE grade 3/D or above, or Functional Skills Level 1 or above.
Begin or enhance your career with the NHS by choosing an apprenticeship with our Trust and find out more how UHDB can support you through an apprenticeship course > (opens in new window).