Nicola graduated with a BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies at the University after completing her apprenticeship in Health & Social Care with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough. Getting through to the national final has been a fantastic achievement for Nicola, she said: 'I am completely over the moon and overwhelmed with being put forward for the final of the competition. '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 & Social Care, Professor Paul Keane, said: 'It’s fantastic news that our previous student Nicola has been nominated for this national award. 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: “I first completed my apprenticeship in health and social care with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and immediately progressed onto a BSc honours degree in nursing.
'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 11 October. Vote for Nicola