Published on: 9 October 2026
Two Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust apprentices are celebrating success at the 2026 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards.
Niamh Kerry, Dietetic Apprentice at Sheffield Hallam University, and Nathaniel David, Nursing Associate Apprentice at the University of Derby, were named winners in recognition of their achievements and contribution to health and care services.
Their success highlights how apprenticeships can help people earn professional qualifications, develop practical skills and build fulfilling NHS careers while continuing to support patients, service users and local communities. It follows the announcement that a record seven Derbyshire Healthcare colleagues had been shortlisted across three award categories.
Rebecca Oakley, Director of People, Organisational Development and Inclusion at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Having two category winners is a fantastic achievement and reflects the dedication, professionalism and talent of our apprentices, as well as the support provided by managers, mentors, the Wider Workforce team, practice educators and colleagues across the Trust.
“We are incredibly proud of Niamh and Nathaniel. Their success demonstrates the valuable contribution apprentices make to our services while developing the knowledge, skills and experience needed to progress their NHS careers.”
After two years as a Dietetic Assistant in the Trust’s inpatient mental health services, Niamh progressed to a Dietetic Degree Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University. Having overcome academic challenges associated with dyslexia, she has developed strategies that help her excel academically and clinically. Niamh delivers person-centred nutritional care, established multidisciplinary Healthy Lifestyle Groups and has carried out nutritional audits to improve standards. She is also a Course Representative for 26 apprentices and a Trust Wellbeing Champion, advocating for student support, training staff on screening tools and promoting dietetic awareness.
Niamh Kerry, Dietetic Apprentice, said: “I am incredibly grateful to have won this award and to have my apprenticeship recognised in such a special way.
I was nominated for making a positive impact on patients, colleagues and services, particularly through the compassionate, person-centred care I’ve provided within mental health. Alongside my clinical work, I’ve had the opportunity to lead health and nutrition education groups, support quality improvement initiatives, and promote the role of dietetics across the Trust, while also representing fellow apprentices as a course representative at university.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to develop within the Trust, bringing the knowledge, skills and experience I’ve gained into the service. I hope to build on what I’ve already contributed and continue making a positive difference to patients by improving nutritional care and outcomes as I work towards becoming a Registered Dietitian.”
Nathaniel completed his apprenticeship while working in a busy mental health setting and has developed into a compassionate and highly capable Nursing Associate. He provides reassuring, person-centred care, carries out observations accurately and responds promptly to changes in people’s health while maintaining high safety standards. Alongside balancing clinical shifts with academic study, he supports colleagues, welcomes new team members and contributes to a positive workplace culture.
Nathaniel David, Nursing Associate Apprentice, said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive the Higher Apprentice Award as a Registered Nursing Associate. This recognition reflects the support and encouragement I have received from colleagues, mentors, and the wider team throughout my apprenticeship journey.
“Balancing study alongside a demanding role in mental health services has been challenging at times, but it has helped me grow both professionally and personally. The apprenticeship has given me the confidence, knowledge, and skills to provide high quality, compassionate care to the people we support. I hope my journey encourages others to consider apprenticeships as a pathway into healthcare and lifelong learning.”
Apprenticeships provide an important route into NHS careers, enabling colleagues to gain professional qualifications while continuing to support patients, service users and local communities.
Niamh’s and Nathaniel’s achievements also highlight the range of opportunities available through apprenticeship pathways, including dietetics and nursing associate roles. You can find out more about apprenticeship pathways on the Derbyshire Healthcare website.
