Spire Histology Centre Apprentice Awarded Allied Health Degree Apprentice of the Year

Spire Healthcare Histology Centre is proud to announce that one of its apprentices, Louise Annesley, has received the prestigious Allied Health Degree Apprentice of the Year award at the University of Salford's annual apprenticeship recognition ceremony.

Louise Annesley began her journey at Spire Healthcare during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning from a background in hospitality and customer service into the healthcare sector. Starting with an entry-level position, Louise quickly advanced to the role of Associate Practitioner, thanks to her dedication and commitment to on-the-job practical training. However, it became evident that in order to further progress in the laboratory, Louise would need a science degree.

"I sat down with the Learning and Development team at Spire Healthcare, and together, we discussed different routes for furthering my education and career," said Louise. "We explored options like distance learning and role changes but ultimately decided that the apprenticeship route would allow me to continue working and studying, with one day a week dedicated to studying."

The chosen apprenticeship, the Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Salford, was the ideal fit for Louise. The apprenticeship runs alongside the BSc Biomedical Science degree and includes work-based learning and training in the laboratory. It also incorporates the completion of the Heath Care Science Practitioner registration portfolio, with Louise aiming to achieve Heath Care Science Practitioner registration as a biomedical scientist upon successful completion.

Spire Healthcare’s commitment to supporting colleagues’ professional development has been evident throughout Louise’s apprenticeship. Louise received crucial support, including a dedicated study day to manage academic and portfolio work while balancing a full-time role. Louise also received valuable advice from colleagues, many of whom have recently completed similar academic achievements.

"My colleagues have been incredibly supportive, and having the guidance of those who have recently completed their university degrees or registration portfolios has been instrumental in my success," said Louise. "The support from my line managers, training lead, and the Learning and Development team has been invaluable."

Receiving the Allied Health Degree Apprentice of the Year award came as a surprise to Louise, who was nominated by both her raining lead at Spire Healthcare, Jennifer Daubney, and her apprenticeship programme lead at The University of Salford, Tahmina Hussain. In addition to the award, Louise was selected as the course representative for their cohort of apprentices, further solidifying their role as a leader in the apprenticeship community.

"It was such an honour to be recognised among so many talented apprentices, and to win in the Allied Health category, especially with 1,500 apprentices at University of Salford, is an achievement I am incredibly proud of," said Louise. "Beyond my studies, I’ve also participated in additional extracurricular activities such as filming marketing material, attending inspections, and presenting at industry events like the IBMS Manchester Branch."

Professor Lisa Grant, Group Clinical Director and Chief Nurse at Spire Healthcare said: “Congratulations Louise for your effort in working towards your apprenticeship, and then for being awarded this fantastic accolade – you have made us all at Spire incredibly proud of you and what you have achieved. Louise is a shining example of how Spire aims to invest in programmes that build a talent pipeline for our business and the broader healthcare sector. Importantly, these programmes contribute to the sustainability of the whole healthcare sector in the UK, because many of our graduates like Louise will go on to careers in the NHS and elsewhere – something we’re proud of as a net contributor to society.”

Anthony Gledhill, Histology Manager at Spire Healthcare, said: “Louise came to work for us as a bank medical laboratory assistant after being furloughed from her travel agency job during the pandemic. She had little or no knowledge of histology, but it was obvious from day one that she was extremely hard working and had a very strong will to learn. In no time at all she became a permanent member of the team, and it was no surprise that she was promoted to the role of associate practitioner in less than a year and to apprentice biomedical scientist within a year of that. She is very popular among the Spire Healthcare team not just because of her pleasant and bright demeanour but also because they know they can rely on her to get the job done.  I am also in no doubt that Louise will become a fantastic qualified biomedical scientist, and we are all extremely proud of her winning the Apprentice of the Year award although not surprised. Well done.”

Spire Histology Centre continues to support its colleagues through professional development opportunities, fostering a workplace that values growth, dedication, and continuous learning. Louise’s award is a testament to both their personal achievements and Spire’s commitment to investing in the success of their team members.