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Apprentice scoops top award

18 May 2011

An apprentice from NHS Bolton has been crowned Apprentice of the Year at a regional awards ceremony.

Tom Hewart, who is an apprentice medical technical officer based at The Shine Centre in Wigan, beat hopefuls from across the north west to the award after being nominated by his mentor.

Tom, 23, of Farnworth, started training at NHS Bolton in June last year. He quickly took to his job training to be a microscopist within sexual health services.

The Shine Centre is a new sexual and reproductive health service provided by NHS Bolton.

The judging panel commended Tom for his dedication, saying he “clearly stood out from the other nominations”.

Tom said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to get the award. Working in the team has been life changing. I spent many years working in dead end jobs, but now I have something that I really enjoy doing and I’m proud to tell people what I do.

“I always enjoyed science at school but never thought it would be something I’d do as a career. Now I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life.

“I have to give thanks to my mentor, Alison. She was a huge help in encouraging me to take on the role and has given me tremendous support throughout.”

His mentor Alison Davies, Medical Technical Officer at Bolton Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Health, said: “It’s great that Tom is receiving this award. His ability, enthusiasm and passion for learning have made a huge impact on the service during the last year.”

Tom will pick up his award at a special ceremony, run by NHS North West, at the Art Gallery in Stockport today (18/5).