Kidderminster based Avensys UK Ltd are recognising the fantastic work undertaken by bio-medical apprentices by launching the Avensys Apprentice of the Year Awards.
“The last 12 months has seen hospital equipment used around the clock, and EBME departments and third party service and maintenance companies such as Avensys have had to work incredibly hard to ensure that the equipment remains in perfect working order” says Joe Bowen, Avensys’ Training Academy Manager. “As workloads have increased, hospitals that have taken on apprentices through the Avensys training academy have found them to be an invaluable resource, able to undertake tasks including the commissioning medical devices, providing support where colleagues are taken ill and working on COVID wards. Throughout the pandemic, the feedback from hospital employers has been fantastic – the apprentices have really stepped up, made a positive impact on the hospital and managed to keep up with the academic requirements of their work.”
Employers were asked to nominate apprentices for the award, stating in what way the apprentice had contributed to the smooth running of the department and citing any examples in which an apprentice had gone ‘over and above’. And the winners are:
1st Place: Daniel Britton from Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS FT
“Dan was part of a team during the COVID-19 Pandemic that installed bedside monitors connected to the Central Station via a network–work point, assisting patients in isolation to be monitored from a Central Station. A remarkable achievement, accomplished in record time, thus improving patient care and reducing exposure to infection and was recognised by the Trust.” Christopher Moore, Principle Technician, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS FT.
2nd Place: Devante Williams From Avensys UK Ltd
“Devante has supported the Engineering team during the COVID-19 pandemic. Helping in the main workshop and delivering much needed medical devices to Nightingale sites around the country. He has learnt new skills and adapted to a rapidly changing environment. An outstanding character and a valued member of the team “ Lee Comins, Workshop Manager, Avensys UK Ltd.
3rd Place: Alan Woodcock from Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
“Alan has been involved with acceptance testing and repairs of Respirator Hoods used in Critical Care during the COVID pandemic; as well as the additional Medical Devices we have received. The Team can give Alan tasks in the knowledge he will complete the task autonomously, and ask for help should he require it. No job is ever too much, he is always the first to volunteer for anything that may need doing in the department. Alan is always prepared to go the extra mile.” Ben Rodrigues, Specialist Healthcare Team Leader, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
“Everyone at Avensys would like to congratulate our winners, the rest of the nominees and all of our apprentices on doing a great job under difficult circumstances. These awards will now be an annual fixture, celebrating the achievements of Bio-Medical Engineering apprentices within hospitals” said Joe.
Apprenticeships are funded by the apprenticeship levy and are an excellent way to ‘grow your own’ talent and are delivered in partnership with Dudley College of Technology, an arrangement under which the apprentices benefit from the teaching experience of both partners. Next year this partnership will be moving to the newly constructed Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology from which the apprenticeships will be managed. “The IoT is one of a number of employer led teaching facilities tasked with providing higher level qualifications in STEM subjects. Avensys will manage a bespoke hospital training facility within the newly constructed IoT campus from which we will provide practical training in accurate working environments. This facility will be open to students from September 2021.” continued Joe.
For more information, contact Avensys.