A data crunching specialist who has honed her skills thanks to an apprenticeship has been named as a finalist at a national IT and digital awards.
Suzanne Middleton, Lead Analyst for Data Science, was thrilled to have been nominated for the BCS, Chartered Institute for IT, IT and Digital Apprenticeship (ITA) Awards – Data Apprentice of the Year 2023.
She said: “I was absolutely thrilled to have been nominated and was delighted to hear I had been shortlisted as a finalist. My apprenticeship has helped me to develop my skills and knowledge. I would certainly recommend an apprentice to other people as it is a great way to learn on the job.”
Suzanne said she wanted to do the apprenticeship to formalise her experience with a recognised qualification and to learn new techniques and advanced types of analytics.
As part of her apprenticeship, she transformed the way information is presented using new technologies including an interactive app which drills down into data in a easy to understand way for staff from a managerial level down to the shop floor.
Head of Education, Training and Development, Christine Ramsden, said: “Suzanne has done amazingly well as this is one of the most prestigious and popular courses for BCS. So, to be a finalist is a great achievement.
“Entrants are judged on their professionalism, innovation and adding value, being a role model and being able to show measurable success. Suzanne’s nomination was testament to all of this. She is giving back to the organization, as well as her colleagues thanks to her apprenticeship.”
Speaking generally about apprenticeships Christine said: “We currently have more than 160 members of staff completing an apprenticeship across 33 different programmes ranging from Level 2 to Level 7 (equivalent to a Master’s Degree), meaning there is something for everyone with clear starting points and career progression pathways.
“Our people are our greatest asset and our continued investment in their personal and professional development is key to the exceptional care they provide for all our patients. We are continually introducing new apprenticeship programmes, supporting our Trust’s core values and, also, responding to emerging technologies and job roles within the ever-changing world of the NHS.”