The Most - Issue 1

26 Just over two years ago, Sharoe Green Dental Practice advertised for a Dental Nurse apprentice. Seeing the advert, Gillian, 62, said “I saw the job advert for Sharoe Green Dental which really caught my eye but thought – I can’t do an apprenticeship, they’ll laugh at my application if I send it. I didn’t think they would want someone like me, I thought they would want a bright, shiny school leaver.” But Gillian applied and two years and a lot of hard work and dedication later, she has now completed her Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing; is a fully-fledged member of the team and is looking forward to new courses and qualifications that are available to her. Gillian says: “I have enjoyed every moment working here. We’re like one big family and everyone is so lovely. It’s such a rewarding job too and we have such a wonderful diverse customer base. Everyone’s made me feel so welcome.” Kate Holden, Practice Manager says: “Since beginning her apprenticeship at Sharoe Green Dental Practice, Gillian has consistently strived to do the best she can and learn from others. She is a wonderful team player and has developed great relationships with her colleagues and patients. She has demonstrated resilience in all that she does; wanting to learn from the clinicians she is paired with and the experienced nurses within the practice. Gillian approaches work with a professional attitude and a much needed sense of humour. We couldn’t imagine the practice without her.” Thomas, who at just 17 and in his second year of his Plastering apprenticeship with Preston’s College, has won the Bronze Medal at this year’s WorldSkills UK LIVE! Tournament at the NEC, Birmingham. Over four days Thomas competed in the UK’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event; competing against other apprentices and those highly-skilled in the trade. Thomas says: “This was a real privilege and a fantastic opportunity to showcase my skills and everything I have learnt whilst on my apprenticeship. It was incredible to compete in a national competition and it was so much fun. The level of skills that others brought was so very high so I’m over the moon to have been awarded the Bronze Medal.” WorldSkills UK LIVE! brought together over 70,000 young people with key players in UK business, governments and education. Paul Morville, Thomas’s tutor, says: “Thomas is an exemplary student and it has been a pleasure to share this journey with him. He has shown unbelievable resistance during this competition and his award is very much deserved.” Thomas now waits to find out if he has been chosen to represent Great Britain on the world stage and join ‘Squad UK’ for WorldSkills Shanghai 2021! BIG SMILES FOR DENTAL NURSE APPRENTICE BRONZE MEDAL FOR THOMAS AT THE 2019WORLDSKILLS UK LIVE! STUDENT SUCCESS