A mum-of-two who left school at 16 to start a factory job, is about to fulfil her dream of passing the equivalent of a degree – at aged forty-six.
But a graduate’s cap and gown are not the only items Shelley Gill be needing, soon.
Because she also says she requires some ballgowns – having been nominated for no less than THREE awards!
The Nelson and Colne College Group apprentice (pictured) impressed judges so much that she is one of a trio of finalists in the Apprentice of the Year category at the Group’s very first Student Awards. This follows Shelley receiving the coveted Higher Apprentice of the Year Award at the Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards, back in April. And since she earns and learns with the health service so successfully, it is no surprise that she has also very recently made the shortlist for the NHS Health and Social Care Innovation Award.
The modest Burnley based super-scholar, who is about to manage the admin and reception functions for community care centres across Pendle, admits she doesn’t seek out accolades, but hopes to act as an inspiration to older learners.
“This proves you can learn at any age, and I think I appreciate the learning because I missed out when I was younger” said Shelley, who has one son in the police and the other studying at art school. “When I went into college, I did notice I was the oldest apprentice there, and when I saw my first assignment I just thought – I can’t do this. But my tutors believed in me, and I am so grateful to the College and to the NHS for supporting me. I feel really positive and am getting more confident in my role each day. I mean, I earn while I learn, what could be better than that?”
A former travel and tourism employee, Shelley really began to fly when she joined the health service – two decades ago. “I love the staff and the patients” she admitted, “my whole family have been treated by the NHS locally as have I, so it is great to be working for them and doing good for the community, giving something back.”
Many of the patients Shelley has, “a rapport with” come in regularly for speech-therapy, maternity, and other ailments, having been referred by hospitals. She began her Higher Apprenticeship Standard in Operations Department Manager in April 2022, and is due to complete this October. Her studies have included understanding the Health Care Trust’s approach to expenditure costs in the customer facing client management team.
When it came to choosing the best college to do her apprenticeship with, Shelley says she, “didn’t even have to think about it. I have done all my qualifications at Nelson and Colne College Group and have absolute confidence in them.”
Another Nelson and Colne College Group learner vying for an NHS Award – this time in the Rising Star category – is former Colne Primet Academy student, Hafsah Mahmood.
The 18-year-old, who completed highly successful work placements at local hospitals, is one of the country’s T Level pioneers. Developed with industry to prepare students for the workplace, the course has helped Hafsah secure a place at Staffordshire University where she will study a BSc in Biomedical Sciences.
“The NHS is such a broad church, with so many roles each dependent on one another to keep our health service running” said Lisa O’Loughlin, Principal and CEO of the Nelson and Colne College Group. “It must be so encouraging for them to know that our College prepares students for these professions so proficiently.”
Continued Lisa: “The students seem surprised by their nominations – but not me! We strive for excellence and so do our learners; indeed, our message is: “Don’t accept the ordinary – be extraordinary. And anyone reaching one, let alone three such prestigious awards finals, is indeed EXTRAORDINARY!”
Nelson and Colne College Group’s first-ever student awards will be presented at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh spa and hotel, on the evening of Wednesday 26 June 2024.
Taking place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Friday 28th June, the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Health and Social Care Apprenticeship Awards 2024 celebrate the very best apprentices still employed within Lancashire and South Cumbria in an NHS or Social Care qualifying organisation.
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For further information
Please contact peter.gibson@nelsongroup.ac.uk
