Nottingham College was proud to celebrate the achievements of all nominees at last week’s Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025, an inspiring evening dedicated to recognising the incredible contributions apprentices make across our region.
We extend our warmest congratulations to every nominee and winner, your dedication, talent, and growth are a testament to the power of learning and the value apprentices bring to their workplaces. A special mention goes to all the Nottingham College representatives who were nominated this year. Your hard work and commitment continue to make us proud.
Among the evening’s standout moments was the announcement of Holly Cooper as the winner of the Health and Public Services Apprentice Award. Holly, an apprentice with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) and a student at Nottingham College, has exemplified what it means to unlock potential through learning.
Holly’s journey has been one of compassion, growth, and excellence in care. Her work as a Health Care Assistant has made a meaningful impact on patients and colleagues alike. Her award is a reflection of her dedication and the transformative power of apprenticeships.
We are super proud of Holly; she is exceptionally kind and caring to our patients and is a credit to the trust. It has been great to see Holly develop into her role and a prime example of the value that apprentices can add to our workforce. We are so pleased that Holly has been recognised for her amazing approach to care through this award.
Donna Searcy - Clinical Assessor for HCA Apprentice Education at NUH
Holly’s success is not only a personal achievement but also a shining example of how apprenticeships can unlock potential and build a stronger, more skilled workforce. Her story highlights the importance of nurturing talent through education and hands-on experience.
Holly’s tutor had this to say:
“Holly encompasses what apprenticeships are all about, coming into the role with no prior experience and it was evident from the first observation that she had the patients wellbeing at the heart of everything she was doing. She was eager to learn new things and was incredibly kind and natural with those who had mental capacity limitations. She went on to complete a number of projects, training and link roles which bettered herself and her patients and Holly deserved recognition for going over and above her role, and acknowledgement of her natural caring and warm attitude!”
At Nottingham College, we believe in the power of apprenticeships to transform lives, careers, and communities. Holly’s journey is a reminder of what’s possible when learning meets opportunity.
For more photos taken on the evening, click the link below:
