Award-winning apprentice

An inspiring NHS apprentice has been recognised for his hard work and dedication after overcoming significant challenges.

Andy Roberts, a Clinical Technologist at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), was named Engineering Apprentice of the Year at Shrewsbury College after successfully completing his Level 3 Apprenticeship in Engineering.

Andy, 36, joined the NHS through the Step into Health Scheme five years ago, looking for a fresh start after leaving the armed forces.

He said: “I wanted a new career and a way to return to work. Helping people has always been important to me, and I felt the NHS was the perfect place to do that.”

Andy served for eight years in the military but was medically discharged following an injury caused by a blast in Afghanistan.

Despite having no prior engineering qualifications, Andy embraced the challenge of retraining, and after four years of study, his efforts were recognised with the award.

He added: “I felt really proud to win. I never expected to be nominated, let alone actually win it.”

“My managers, colleagues, and tutors helped me along the way.

“Starting from scratch was daunting, but the support I’ve had has been incredible. I can’t thank my team and my college enough.”

Andy says his time in the NHS has helped him grow personally, too.

He said: “I used to be afraid to speak about how I felt. But being in this environment has shown me it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.”

Andy is now taking his skills even further, having started his Level 4 Apprenticeship, which will lead to an HNC in Electronics.