Katie and Jenny’s ‘Grad’ day out!

We love to see our staff learn and grow in their roles – that’s why we’re delighted to say a huge congratulations to Katie Mills and Jenny Murfin on their graduation!

 

Katie and Jenny are the first Sheffield Children’s apprentices to reach Level 6 and become Graduate Healthcare Scientists in the Audiology team. It’s been a long road for both of them, as they joined the Trust at Level 2!

 

Katie said: “We were so excited that our graduation ceremony was finally here! We felt so proud of what we have achieved over the five years of being at Aston University; we celebrated with family and fellow students on campus. It was such a lovely heart-warming day which we wish we could experience again!

 

“We’ve really enjoyed gaining more knowledge and experience in Audiology, and also carried out an adult placement at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital which was very beneficial to our learning. At times it was challenging juggling the demand of exams, assignments and practical exams – plus trips to Birmingham to attend lectures every month whilst working – but we had great support from Aston University and Sheffield Children’s Hearing Services which made it possible.”

 

Part of that support came from Suzanne Carrick, Head of Hearing Services, who was so proud of Katie and Jenny’s journey.

 

Suzanne said: “Both of them attained high classifications and they’ve developed specialist paediatric skills and knowledge to a higher level than most new graduates have.

 

“Using apprenticeships to develop new colleagues has been a way of meeting the need created due to a national shortage of audiologists. It has enabled us to develop people who want to work with children and families, and has enabled us to invest in training to progress colleagues from assistant roles to a fully qualified role.”

 

Congratulations Katie and Jenny – we hope you’ve celebrated your success in style!