A big well done to Trainee Cardiac Physiologist, Ciara Wood, who has recently completed her BSC (Hons) Healthcare Science Degree Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University with First Class Honours.

The course combines academic study with workplace-based learning and enables trainees to gain knowledge, skills and competencies required to work as Cardiac Physiologists. Ciara will now begin the Echocardiography Training Programme through Newcastle University.

Over the next 18 months, she will develop the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to become a Cardiac Sonographer, enabling her to perform and interpret echocardiograms to support the diagnosis and management of patients with heart disease. Once she completes the programme, Ciara will be the first in-house CHFT colleague to progress directly onto the ETP from the apprenticeship pathway.

Ciara said: "The apprenticeship combined university study with full-time clinical training in the department. Balancing academic work, assessments and clinical responsibilities was challenging at times, but I'm glad I took on this opportunity.

"To anyone thinking of taking a similar journey, I would say to be prepared for the hard work, but to remember that it's all worth it in the end. Keep yourself organised, and take advantage of any opportunities to further your career."

Senior Cardiac Physiologist and Educational Lead, Wayne Massey, said: "Ciara's achievement highlights the excellent opportunities available through the Healthcare Science apprenticeship pathway and demonstrates the value of investing in our workforce. Supporting staff to develop specialist skills within CHFT not only benefits individual career progression but also strengthens the services we provide to our patients."