OUH colleagues recognised at Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards

Colleagues from Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at this year's Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards.

Trainee Biomedical Scientist Lucy Harold was named overall Apprentice of the Year and also won in the Higher Apprentice of the Year category, highlighting her exceptional contribution and achievements during her apprenticeship.

Lucy is a Biomedical Science Degree Apprentice at OUH and trains in diagnostic microbiology alongside her studies with the University of Westminster.

She has been recognised for "balancing the demands of a rigorous degree alongside the pace of a busy laboratory", while contributing meaningfully to patient care.

Her work "reflects both clinical insight and compassion…and has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, patient experience and outcomes". The nomination added: "For someone so early in her career to lead cross-disciplinary conversations with such confidence is exceptional."

In addition, Shilpa Bhatt, Widening Participation and Schools Engagement Lead at OUH, received the Skills Champion Award in recognition of her work expanding access to apprenticeships and supporting people into healthcare careers.

She brings together employers, education providers and community partners to create opportunities for people from all backgrounds. She works closely with schools, colleges and local organisations to raise awareness of NHS careers, particularly among under-represented groups.

Shilpa’s nominator described her as "remarkable" and an "NHS ambassador always", adding: "She champions apprenticeships not because it is her role, but because she genuinely wants people to thrive."

All three awards reflect the impact of apprenticeships and widening participation at OUH in creating accessible opportunities and supporting people to develop meaningful careers in healthcare.

Lucy said: "It is hard to put into words what this recognition means to me. My apprenticeship has challenged me, developed me professionally and personally, and given me opportunities I am extremely grateful to have at such a young age.

"Winning the Higher Apprentice of the Year Award was already something I never expected, so to receive this recognition was a complete surprise and a moment I will never forget."

Shilpa said: "I am honoured to be receiving this award and to be recognised for the role I play in Oxfordshire and the wider Thames Valley in creating accessible opportunities for our current and future workforce.

"I am deeply passionate about apprenticeships, skills development, and widening participation, and I am fortunate that my role enables me to champion pathways into healthcare.”

Terry Roberts, Chief People Officer at OUH, said: "Congratulations to Lucy and Shilpa – their achievements powerfully reflect the talent, dedication and ambition across our apprenticeship community at OUH.

"Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing our workforce of the future, and it is inspiring to see colleagues not only excelling in their own roles but also helping to improve patient care and widen opportunities for others.

"These awards celebrate the very best of what we stand for as an organisation, and I am incredibly proud of their success."

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards are organised by Enterprise Oxfordshire Skills and bring together employers, training providers and apprentices from across the region to celebrate success and share inspiring stories.