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Jess Austen shortlisted in Apprenticeship Awards

by | 21st January 2020 | News

Huge congratulations to Jess Austen, Nursing Associate at Livewell’s Glenbourne Unit, who is shortlisted in the ‘Health Apprentice of the Year’ category in South Devon College’s Apprenticeship Awards.

This celebratory event on 6 February will mark the success of apprentices, employers and staff supporting South Devon College’s Apprenticeship programme.

Around 150 students, employers and staff have been nominated for 18 awards plus the prestigious Apprentice of the Year Award.

Jess was nominated by the college for being an exceptional student whose ability to care and help others is inspiring. Jess is now a qualified Nursing Associate who pioneers the role and recently spoke at a national conference, building on education and shared knowledge.

Jess began his career with Livewell in 2013, working as an Administrative Apprentice at Tavistock Hospital, before moving to the Glenbourne Unit as a Referral Co-ordinator. Jess said:

“I really enjoyed the increased patient contact aspect of my role at Glenbourne and realised that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing. I successfully applied to join Cohort Two of the Nursing Associate programme.

“I completed my studies in July 2019 and obtained my registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in December 2019.

“I’m now working as a Registered Nursing Associate at the Glenbourne Unit.

“I’d like to apply for the Degree Apprenticeship programme this year and become a Registered Mental Health Nurse.”

Gill Miller, Organisational Development Lead at Livewell, said:

“We are incredibly proud to hear that Jess has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. He has been a great advocate for the Nursing Associate programme and has represented Livewell and the College with enthusiasm and professionalism, both locally and regionally.

“Jess is a wonderful example of the progression possible under this pioneering programme – he has worked hard to develop his skills and knowledge, improving his ability to help the people we serve and using his knowledge to support his team. Well done Jess!”

Dawn Slater, Director of People and Professionalism and Chief Nurse at Livewell, said:

“This is great news and well deserved. 2020 is a special year for nursing and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase and celebrate Jess’s achievements during the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.”

For more information about Nursing at Livewell, click here.