AN NHS apprentice is in the running for a prestigious award.

Rochelle Sampson-Clarke is a management apprentice with Solent NHS Estates and Facilities.

She is a finalist in the apprentice of the year category of Our Health Heroes, which celebrate real people at the heart of the healthcare system.

Rochelle, based at Westwood House, Southampton, joined Solent NHS Trust in 2019 and was part of the organisation’s first intake of project management degree apprentices, working in the projects team within estates.

Nicola White, Apprenticeship Manager, who nominated Rochelle for the award, said: “Rochelle gives her all to every project, recognising that often it is the small details that can have the most impact.

“An example of this was when she produced a welcome sign in Makaton for one of our children’s centres in Southampton. This bespoke signage was an immediate hit with young patients and their families.”

Judges said in just over three years, Rochelle had made a tremendous impact at the trust, despite having no prior project management experience.

She also recently completed a personal development leadership programme and plays an "active role" on the Association of Project Management’s Women in Project Management Committee.

Rochelle chairs mental health and wellbeing sub-group and last year she presented to 250 people at a Women in Project Management conference in London.

Line manager Ben Meehan, head of estates Projects and Performance, said: “Rochelle shows a real willingness to learn and work collaboratively and respectfully with internal and external stakeholders.

“Rochelle is a superb ambassador for Solent NHS Estates and Facilities. She works incredibly hard and shows great passion, commitment and professionalism in everything she does.”

The Skills for Health 2023 Our Health Heroes Awards, sponsored by Unison, NHS England, NHS Employers and others, will take place at London’s QE2 Centre on June 7.

Supporters have until midnight on Tuesday May 2 to cast a vote at www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/awards/vote