Two apprentices at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) are celebrating being the Trust’s first apprentices to receive a distinction.
Mark Cockburn and Ashdon Henry are not only the first to receive a distinction but the first non-clinical apprentices to complete an End Point Assessment, having both been employed as Level 2 Customer Service practitioner apprentices.
The assessment is made up of three parts; a work-based project supported by an interview, a professional discussion and a practical observation.
Both were required to submit a report covering a specific challenge such as a complaint or difficult situation detailing what actions they took, what solutions were offered and any feedback from the customer. They were then observed undertaking a range of day-to-day workplace activities, designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for their role.
To gain a distinction, apprentices need to score over 70% in each of the three stages.
Annette Connor, Apprenticeships and Career Development Lead at CNTW, said: “We are extremely proud of Mark and Ashdon and their achievement, which is down to their hard work and determination.
“Seeing apprentices succeed and go on to have fulfilling careers is the reason we do our job and this wouldn’t be possible without the support and commitment of departments across the organisation.”
Mark now works in the Perinatal Services at Monkwearmouth Hospital. He said: “Achieving the distinction was my proudest moment. I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone as it allows you to gain new skills, a qualification and working experience all at the same time.”
Ashdon said: “Getting the distinction is something I’m really proud of, especially going through it in the current climate and adapting to the challenges that came our way. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the team and my colleagues. The team at ROVE (the apprenticeship training company) were incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the process and helped me prepare for my assessment, ensuring I was ready to go for the distinction.”
Ashdon now works in the ESR Team. “I’m communicating with people from all across the Trust every day from a wide range of roles, all with different queries. I’m getting first-hand experience working in a busy, fast-paced environment which has really prepared me for the future. The whole apprenticeship scheme is something I’m really thankful for and feel it has prepared me for challenges in the future.”
The End Point Assessment is offered to all apprentices on Apprenticeship Standards, which outline the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to carry out a certain job role.
CNTW is a leading provider of mental health and disability services. The apprenticeships team sits within the Trust’s academy and offers career development advice about apprenticeships and other accredited programmes for both existing staff and to 16 to 24 year olds considering a career within the NHS.