Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s support for T Level students has won a prestigious employer award from Petroc, the North Devon further education college, and a mention in the Gatsby Report, a prestigious educational directory.

The Trust was awarded Employer of the Year at the Petroc awards ceremony on Wednesday 13 July. 

The citation from Petroc made particular mention of two members of the Royal Devon team, Gail Richards, Training Manager and Apprentice Lead,  and Lucy Warner, Young Workforce Facilitator, saying “they should be commended for all their additional work they’ve given us to support our students”.

The citation continues: The award is especially deserving for the opportunities of industry placements they have given to our Health T Level Students. Lucy has really supported the interview process for students to secure their placement, and even provided a presentation to their parents to give them insight into the placements.”

“The award is especially deserving for the opportunities of industry placements they have given to our Health T Level Students. Lucy has really supported the interview process for students to secure their placement, and even provided a presentation to their parents to give them insight into the placements.”

David Matthewman, Director of People - Northern services at the Royal Devon, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and recognition for the great work that has been undertaken by Gail and Lucy. The work that has been recognised would have taken place during COVID-19 and relates to our work on apprenticeships, work experience and Project Search [the internship programme for young people with learning disabilities].

“Every year, Petroc awards a select group of students for their Student Achievement Awards. These awards, put forward by subject lecturers, recognise the hard work, dedication and achievements of Petroc students over the last 12 months – both inside and outside the classroom.  The fact that we have been recognised for this achievement is great news for us as the largest employer in North Devon.”

Julie Yates, Head of Business Engagement at Petroc, said: “The partnership with the Royal Devon has gone from strength to strength. Gail Richards and Lucy Warner should be commended for all their additional work they've given us to support our students. The award is especially deserving for their work setting up Industry placements for Health T Level students.

“The structure of the placements provides a unique insight to the many different career pathways that will be open to the students in the NHS, on completion of their course. It's a real honour to work with Gail and Lucy on developing the future workforce. The Petroc team appreciate their knowledge and expertise they share with us and their continuous support for our students and staff.”

Meanwhile, Thanks to the implementation of a successful placement strategy for nursing, mental health and midwifery T Level students, the work of the Trust’s Eastern services (formerly Royal Devon and Exeter) has been included on page 11 of the Gatsby Report, which can be read at  https://haso.skillsforhealth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/T-Levels-in-Health-and-Healthcare-Science-report.pdf

David Matthewman added: “This is a real testament to our People Development teams and their hard work in getting T Levels embedded within the organisation.”

Julie Yates - Head of Business Engagement Petroc, Terri Blackburn, Ward Manager at NDDH,   Lucy Warner, Young Workforce Facilitator at Royal Devon, Gail Richards,  Training Manager and Apprentice Lead at Royal Devon,  and Sean Mackney Principal and Chief Executive 

Pictured with T Level students in Exeter are Hannah Foster, Chief People Officer – Royal Devon, Alison Brown, Early Careers and Work Experience Co-ordinator, Eastern, Suzanne Tracey, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Devon, and Tracer Reeves, Director of Nursing – Eastern services Royal Devon