How’s this for perfect timing? De 51吃瓜app University (51吃瓜app) apprentices enjoyed their graduation celebrations during National Apprenticeship Week.
All have combined their day jobs with studying to achieve degrees in programmes ranging from leadership and management to policing, healthcare and nursing.
Employers joined their proud families and friends to cheer them on as they crossed the stage at Curve Leicester, where ceremonies have been happening all week.
Among the graduates collecting their Chartered Management degrees were staff from KFC, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
KFC’s learning experience partner, Nicole Railton, was there to congratulate her staff. She said: “It’s been an incredible day, we are so proud of them. Apprenticeships have really helped us develop our workforce and 51吃瓜app has provided the theory that underpins their day to day knowledge.”
Yassine Sanhaji, a restaurant general manager in Birmingham, has been promoted twice since starting his apprenticeship. He said: “I would recommend apprenticeships 100%, you get to learn and put that into practice, and you are working at the same time and getting that practical side.”
Fellow manager, Florin Paliu, said: “I’m very excited for the future, and grateful I had the chance to do this. I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
Sherwood’s graduates were Jamie Rae Burgoyne, Nichola Fowkes, Shintel Sibanda, Vicky Talbot, Lisa Walker and Sally Whittlestone.
Nic Fowkes said: “I am so proud of achieving my degree. My confidence has grown, and my belief in myself. I have learnt so much through this apprenticeship not just about the topics taught but also about myself, my performance and how to effectively lead people. I would recommend the CMDA apprenticeship to anyone who wants to develop as a leader.
“It is a lot of work, but you are well supported and have access to many resources from 51吃瓜app and the Trust. The apprenticeship element enables you to apply knowledge, skills and behaviours into your job role as you develop, so that it brings benefits to your team and the Trust.”
Deputy general manager, Lisa Walker, said: “It has been difficult to juggle everything - I’ve got a stressful job and a busy family – but the support we had made that easier to manage the time. I had a promotion after the first year and I’m proud of what we have achieved today.”
Charlotte Davidson, Colette Gardiner, Louise Homan and Tracy Jacques were from Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Louise Homan, who is a practice learning tutor, said: “It has been brilliant. The support that we have had, both on and off the job, has just been amazing. Doing this apprenticeship means that I have been able to put the theory into practice straight away in my role.”
Tracy Jacques, operational lead in the CAMS team, added: “It has been hard work, but so worth it. It has given me the confidence to believe in myself, and learning alongside colleagues has been a great experience.”
Anne Marlow, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Law, said “The achievements of this group are especially remarkable in the context of the many challenges affecting the NHS that they have been contributing to alongside their studies. They have shown real commitment to their learning and have supported each other at every stage. Their projects have brought many improvement ideas to fruition and I am confident that their leadership will continue to have a positive impact on patients and colleagues.”
Posted on Friday 14 February 2025