Sophie Burdass became the record-holder when she joined Cambridge University Hospitals as an administration apprentice – finding the job when she visited hospital for treatment for her lost voice.
The 18 year-old spotted an apprenticeship stall run by CRC at Addenbrooke’s and ended up as the newest member of the hospital’s Work Opportunities team.
Sophie, whose ambition is to be a nurse, said: “I didn’t know much about apprenticeships until I went to the stall that CRC had in the concourse at Addenbrooke’s.
“I was at Ely Sixth Form college, studying Sociology, Psychology and Health and Social Care, but the ‘traditional’ way of learning wasn’t really suiting me so I thought a more hands-on approach would be better suited.”
Angela Hughes, who heads the apprenticeship programme at CRC, said she was delighted that Sophie had become the college’s 3,500th apprentice.
“Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for employers and apprentices – they are the gold standard of workplace training, and we are absolutely delighted to have reached a record 3,500 apprentices in training,” she said.
“Our apprentice numbers have risen by 22 per cent over the past year as more and more employers recognise the benefits of apprenticeships, and we work closely with them to find the right people.
“We have a very strong working relationship with Cambridge University Hospitals, which is one of the region’s leading employers of apprentices, so it is a particular pleasure to welcome Sophie as our 3,500th apprentice.”
Dr Keith McNeil, chief executive of Cambridge University Hospitals, said: “We are committed to offering a range of work access opportunities to those leaving school, the long-term unemployed and the disadvantaged from our local community.
“Our apprentice scheme has only been running since 2009, but already it has been recognised in national awards and more than half of the participants have gone on to permanent roles in the Trust.
“We are delighted to celebrate our partnership with Cambridge Regional College at this event and wish Sophie all the best as she works towards a career in nursing.”
CRC runs apprenticeship programmes in a wide range of sectors including Science, Engineering, Management, Business Administration, Construction and Health Care.
Image: CRC principal Anne Constantine and Dr Keith McNeil, chief executive of Cambridge University Hospitals, with Sophie, who was presented with champagne and flowers to mark the occasion
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