A grand total of 15 Lancashire Teaching Hospitals employees and students were finalists in the 2025 Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Apprenticeship Awards, with Lewis Doherty a finalist in three categories!
The Trust had two winners - Ava Bolton and Lucy Wilson - and two entrants were also highly commended - Cameron West and Lewis Doherty - in the digital-first awards, which will have a physical presentation of trophies by sponsors during National Apprenticeship Week (week commencing 9 February), in addition to a special excellence award for the winner of all winners.
Ava and Cameron are students of Runshaw College, who have completed their placements with LTH, while Lucy and Lewis are employees of the Trust, joining in September 2024 as apprentices on our first ever intake of Healthcare Apprentices.
Both have since completed the Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship, achieving the highest grade of Distinction. Lewis has also now progressed onto the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship.
Ava won the Rising Star - T Level Award, and judges’ comments were as follows: "Ava - a second-year Health T Level student at Runshaw College - has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and professionalism. She represented the college in a national skills competition, confidently showcasing her knowledge and practical ability.
"Ava is a natural leader who remains calm under pressure, excels in teamwork, and acts as a positive role model for her peers. Her care home and hospital placements rated her ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ in all competencies, praising her compassion, empathy, and understanding of patient-centred care. With 100% attendance, excellent academic results, and a proactive approach to learning, Ava goes beyond expectations embracing feedback, supporting classmates, and taking initiative in both classroom and placement settings. She truly represents the future of the healthcare workforce with passion, resilience, and dedication."
Lucy won the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award, and judges said: "Lucy has become a powerful advocate for inclusion within the Neuro Rehabilitation Unit at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, using her own experience as a neurodivergent apprentice to challenge assumptions and inspire others. Her openness, resilience and willingness to seek support have normalised conversations around neurodiversity, helping to create a more understanding and supportive environment for both colleagues and patients.
"Her natural empathy and positivity bring warmth to the ward, where she treats every patient with dignity and compassion. Lucy’s ability to lift the morale of those around her, while also contributing insight on how to better support individuals with complex needs, has strengthened the team’s approach to inclusive care. Through her determination to overcome academic barriers, and her ambition to advocate for others who feel underestimated, Lucy is already shaping a culture where diversity is celebrated making her a shining example of inclusive practice in healthcare."
Finalists:
Perseverance Award
Kate Hoyle
Clinical Apprentice of the Year
Nadine Carnley
Promotion Award
Lewis Doherty
Rising Star - T Level Award
Ava Bolton - WINNER
Cameron West – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Ava Langford
Lily Kershaw
Rhea Solanki
Nathan Smith
Michael Ryan
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award
Lucy Wilson - WINNER
Lewis Doherty
Rhea Solanki
Stephanie Higham
Non-clinical Apprentice of the Year Award
Jane Parkinson
Team Player Award
Lewis Doherty – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Lorraine Chesterton Smith
Innovation Award
James Dawson
