The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2022 recognised the best talent in the county with a special live-streamed event on Thursday 19 May, followed by an in-person celebration evening at Williams F1 Conference Centre on 26 May, where finalists were presented with their trophies.
The Special Recognition Award celebrates the achievements of apprentices who have overcome significant challenges or barriers to learning or work. It was won by Emily Brandish, a Trainee Nursing Associate at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Emily was nominated by Clinical Practice Educator Claire Harding, who praised her for being courageous, kind and caring and going the extra mile for her patients and colleagues. Claire also described how the challenges Emily has overcome have helped her to develop resilience and perseverance.
The Special Recognition Award was kindly sponsored by Blenheim and Pye Homes. Head of HR at Blenheim Megan Carter, who judged the award and is pictured above with Emily, said: “Emily is a ward sister and during the peak of the pandemic, worked on a ward for people who were at the end of their life, couldn’t see relatives and she and her colleagues were their main support. To be honest, what she told me brought me to tears, her bravery and care and going over and above – buying little treats from M&S plus holding their hand when no one else could and offering emotional support. She also had to deal with her own issues but that did not deter her from giving these people the love and care they need. She is also a trained hairdresser and cut hair for them to make them feel nice - again over and above. The passion and compassion she showed to those in her care is outstanding. She is a great role model and ambassador for apprentices in the NHS.”
Emily said: “When I was told I was the winner, I felt happy and grateful. It's been quite an intense few years, but I always enjoy my time when I'm with the patients, so it was really nice that it was recognised. I'm glad I was able to represent the nursing associates and my ward 6A.”
About the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023
The awards will be open for entries and nominations until midnight on the evening of Friday 17 February 2023. Finalists will be announced during Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (hashtag #OAHour) on Twitter @OxonApprentice from 13:00 on Thursday 20 April 2023. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 18 May 2023.
Visit our Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023 page
If you would like the opportunity to support the Awards, please get in touch.
Join us for Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (#OAHour) on Twitter @OxonApprentice from 13:00 every Thursday for latest on the Awards and join in the conversation using the hashtag #OAAwards2023.
