Published on: 20 August 2026
As apprenticeships continue to be widely discussed in the news as an important route into skilled careers, seven colleagues from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have been named as finalists in the 2026 Apprenticeship Awards.
Their shortlisting recognises the achievements of apprentices who are training and working in health and care roles across Derbyshire, making a positive difference in their teams while gaining the skills and experience needed to build careers in the NHS.
The Trust finalists have been recognised in three award categories:
Higher Apprentice
- Modupeola Falase, Student Nursing Apprentice
- Nathaniel David, Student Nursing Apprentice
- Phoebe Louise Fullerton, Student Nursing Associate Apprentice
Degree Apprentice
- Ben Chapman, Physiotherapy Apprentice
Health and Public Service Apprentice
- Kerry-Anne Doyle, Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice (Mental Health)
- Laura Bevington, Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice (Mental Health)
- Niamh Kerry, Dietitian Apprentice
Their success highlights the value of apprenticeships as an important route into NHS careers, helping people to develop professionally while continuing to support patients, service users and local communities.
The breadth of categories represented, from nursing and physiotherapy to mental health nursing and dietetics, demonstrates how apprenticeships are supporting workforce development across the Trust in all areas.
Tracey Nock, Wider Workforce Manager at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Community Health Services, said: “This is fantastic recognition for our colleagues and for the contribution apprentices make across the Trust.
“We are incredibly proud of Modupeola, Nathaniel, Phoebe, Ben, Kerry-Anne, Laura and Niamh. Being shortlisted is a significant achievement and reflects their eagerness to want to learn and develop throughout their apprenticeship journeys. I look forward to finding out the outcome on awards night.”
Nathaniel David - Registered Nursing Associate, was please to hear he had been recognised. He said: "Being recognised as a finalist for the 2026 Apprenticeship Awards is something I’m incredibly proud of. Completing the apprenticeship has been a genuinely life‑changing experience which has strengthened my confidence, shaped my practice, and given me the skills to support people in our communities with compassion and professionalism.
"For me, this recognition isn’t just about my own achievement; it reflects the importance of investing in apprenticeship pathways that help develop the next generation of healthcare staff. The knowledge and experience I’ve gained will directly benefit the individuals and families I work with every day, and I’m proud to be able to give back to the community that has supported my development. I’m grateful for the encouragement I’ve received throughout my training, and being shortlisted for this award reminds me why I chose this career. To make a meaningful difference in people’s lives."
Niamh Kerry - Dietitian Apprentice, also shared how it feels to be recognised. She said: “Being named a finalist is something I'm proud of, and it is an honour to be recognised for the progress I have made throughout my apprenticeship. My apprenticeship has challenged me, helped me grow in confidence, and given me the knowledge and skills to work towards becoming a Registered Dietitian and make meaningful contributions to my community.
“I hope that by continuing to learn and grow in my role, I can use those skills to improve the support and services available to local communities and make a positive difference to people’s lives.”
Phoebe Fullerton - Student Nursing Associate Apprentice, also expressed her joy for being shortlisted. She said: "Being named a finalist means a lot to me because it makes me realise just how far I have come. When I first started my apprenticeship, I was completely new to healthcare, so beginning my career on an acute mental health ward was a completely new experience for me. Over time, I have gone from being unsure of myself to becoming a confident and valued member of my team. A huge part of that journey has been the support I have received from my manager, colleagues and apprenticeship tutor. They have encouraged me, supported me through the challenges and helped me believe in what I am capable of.
"I am now at the end of my apprenticeship and looking forward to becoming a Registered Nursing Associate. Being recognised as a finalist is really special to me because it has shown me that all the hard work, dedication and effort I have put in has been worthwhile. It is something I can look back on and feel proud of, and it has made me even more excited for the next stage of my career and to continue making a difference to the patients I care for."
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 1 October 2026 at Crowne Plaza Nottingham.
