A Hugh Baird College and Aintree University Hospital apprentice, has been named as a finalist in the Association of Colleges Student of the Year awards.
Ellie Ferguson is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category of the national awards.
As a Level 2 Health and Social Care apprentice, Ellie worked at Aintree University Hospital on a ward that cared for patients with dementia. She embraced her role and became a key member of the team and a firm favorite with patients. Whilst completing her apprenticeship training, Ellie embraced the opportunity to enhance her development further by also studying British Sign Language at the College.
She quickly began to use her newly learnt skills to communicate with hearing impaired patients across the hospital and also encouraged social interaction and improved communication for patients on the dementia led ward. On completion of her apprenticeship, Ellie successfully registered as a bank Nurse at Aintree University Hospital. Flexible working hours have enabled Ellie to continue her studies and enrol on to an Access to Higher Education Nursing programme at Hugh Baird College.
Ellie and her family will be joined by the College and Hospital representatives at the glitzy awards ceremony at the International Conferencing Centre in Birmingham on Monday 19 November.
Ellie said:
I was shocked when I was told I’d made the final, but I am really proud. I would like to thank Hugh Baird College for the support they provided me throughout my training. Helping people and making a difference is something I feel really passionate about and I feel lucky to have found a career that allows me to do both these things.
Hugh Baird College Director of Employer Engagement, Lynn Masterton, said:
We were delighted to hear that Ellie has been shortlisted for this award and we will all have our fingers crossed for her on the night. She has been an inspiration to patients at the hospital and has really made a difference to their lives. We are all extremely proud of her achievement and wish her all the very best at the Association of Colleges Student of the Year awards ceremony.
Yana Williams, Hugh Baird College, Principal and Chief Executive added:
I would like to congratulate Ellie on being named as a finalist in this prestigious national awards ceremony. I would also like to congratulate the apprenticeship team at the College. This announcement comes just a week after the College gained top spot in a national employer satisfaction survey and it is further evidence that the College is delivering for employers of all sizes from across the Liverpool City Region.
Paul Smyth, Apprenticeship Lead at Aintree University Hospital said:
Ellie epitomizes the amazing apprentices across all roles in the Trust to support patient care and how through their fresh ideas and innovation, enhance the experience of patients. The partnership with Hugh Baird College has ensured our health apprentices are provided with the skills, knowledge and confidence to grow as they begin their role in the NHS.
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said:
Once again we have had excellent applications from colleges across the country who are all rightly proud of the efforts, achievements and application of their students. It makes the judging really tough, and offers inspiration to all of us. These awards show how much great work colleges are doing every day to help people realise their ambitions and develop their talents.
For more information on how local businesses can work in partnership with Hugh Baird College, call the Business Development Team on 0151 353 4444 or alternatively visit www.hughbaird.ac.uk/employers