Thursday 6th March 2014 – 1.15pm – Suzie Fothergill.
A member of West Midlands Ambulance Service staff has been recognised at an awards ceremony this week.
On Tuesday, Brian Burden, a member of the Trust’s Health Care Referral Team was awarded with an Apprenticeship Recognition Award from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Enterprise Partnership.
The awards provided an opportunity for employers to show how much they value apprentices and the contributions they make to an organisation.
Brian was nominated for the award not only for his outstanding educational achievements whilst working for the Trust but also for his dedication, professionalism and for the support he provides to other staff within the Service.
Brian first joined the ambulance service as part of the Patient Transport Service in May 2010. Whilst in the role Brian applied for an apprenticeship through the Trust and was signed up to the NVQ level 2 course in Support Care Services in July. Although the programme was supposed to last 12 months Brian worked incredibly hard and successfully completed his course within just seven months.
He didn’t stop there with his development and later applied for the next level of the qualification and commenced his QCF Diploma level 3 in April 2012, which again he successfully completed.
Now working as a member of Health Care Referral Team, Brian is looking to progress even further to become a Technician.
Talking about the Apprenticeship scheme Brian said: “The apprenticeship has given me a much better understanding and knowledge of the job I do, and the job I am aiming for. It has given me more qualifications to apply for the next step on the ladder, which is the role of Technician.
“My assessor informed me that I’d been nominated for this award but I never thought I would win, so it was a lovely surprise when I found out.”
Peter Howell, Assistant Area Manager for WMAS and Brian’s line manager said: “We are extremely proud of Brian for his achievements, and what better week for him to receive the award than on National Apprenticeship Week. What really impresses me about Brian is his professional enthusiasm and drive to achieve his goals.
“Brian is an excellent member of our team. He works extremely hard and is committed to providing the very best not only to patients but the whole of the West Midlands Ambulance Service and the wider NHS.
“Speaking on behalf of the service I would like to congratulate Brian on his award and wish him the best of luck as he commences his Technician course later this month, of which I am confident he will successfully complete.”
Vicki Vernon, Brian’s ‘Performance Through People’ Assessor said: “Brian was nominated because, he is always willing to support and help his colleagues. His kindness and professionalism is modelled to patients, families and others. He is very dedicated to his career and always strives to improve, using his knowledge to support others, and guide them to achieve higher standards of care. He worked his way from the role of PTS, to now being accepted on the ambulance technician course.”
Rob Colbourne the Managing Director of Performance Through People (PTP) who manage the apprenticeship programme for WMAS said: “PTP are proud to be associated with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and are grateful for the support and commitment from the Senior Managers to ensure quality time is given to their staff to work towards completing their Apprenticeship. Working with an organisation the size of WMAS also sends a strong message out to school leavers and their parents that an apprenticeship is a valid education and skills path to take and progress in the world of work – or indeed for more mature employees who wish to increase their skills through an apprenticeship to support their progression within the organisation.”
Notes to editors
Pictured: Brian Burden with Stoke Area Manager, Sean Coleman at the Awards presentation on Tuesday.