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Becky McSorley, Practice Educator, has won the Royal Air Force award for the Apprentice Champion of the Year at a regional ceremony of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2022.

Becky was announced as the south west winner in her respective category during a ceremony held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in north Somerset.

“I am really grateful for the nomination from our partners at Truro and Penwith College. I’ve worked very closely with them to help develop nursing apprenticeship opportunities for people across our county. To win the regional award was just amazing. I’m so happy and very proud to be an Apprentice Champion of the Year. I’m a passionate advocate of the opportunities that apprenticeships provide for people of all backgrounds to get into healthcare and nursing careers.” Becky McSorley

As a regional winner, Becky will now be shortlisted for the national stage. Where she could be announced as a national finalist at the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards ceremony in London at the end of next month.

Becky’s nomination was submitted by Toni Drew, Business Partnership Consultant, specialising in health, at Truro and Penwith College.

“Becky is a very deserving winner. She’s been instrumental at supporting developments as an employer for our Nursing and Allied Health Department at the college. With her inspirational qualities and strong motivation. We had the backing we needed to have our first Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship. We need more people like Becky supporting apprenticeships and I wish her well in London.” Toni Drew

Becky’s work alongside the college has been vital in helping to develop successful programmes in recent years. The programmes look to address local workforce issues and improve training opportunities for nursing roles. The initiatives are helping to tap into Cornwall’s young talent and retain more future nurses within the county.

Several nursing qualifications are now available at the University Centre Truro and Penwith. They have been developed in partnership with the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, GP surgeries and care providers across Cornwall. Their aim is to boost the county’s nursing numbers and service levels.

“The team are delighted that Becky has won this award. It is so well deserved in recognition of her hard work and dedication to champion apprenticeship activity within our Trust. This is crucial work to ensure the Trust can respond to workforce challenges and support local communities.” Alan Jervis, Head of Education and Training at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

The National Apprenticeship Awards is to recognise apprentice employers, apprentices, rising stars and champions from up and down the country. The Apprentice Champion Award is for individuals who champion apprenticeships with enthusiasm and whose passion for apprenticeships is exceptional.

The national awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 30 November, when Becky will find out if she’s been successful in the final shortlisting of Apprentice Champions from around the country.