University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) is celebrating after being recognised across key categories in an apprenticeships’ awards scheme.
Two UHMBT apprentices were Highly Commended and the Trust received a Highly Commended award in the Employer of the Year category in the Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership NHS Health and Social Care Apprenticeship Awards.
These awards highlight excellence across health and social care apprenticeships and honour those who demonstrate outstanding skill and commitment to learning, development and future workforce growth.
UHMBT was recognised in the following categories:
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Highly Commended: Michaela Stallman, Digital Learning Designer, Level 6
- Non‑Clinical Apprentice of the Year – Highly Commended: Sian Jackson, Content Creator, Level 3
- Employer of the Year - Highly Commended: UHMBT
Michaela was Highly Commended for her significant contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Her work has centred on removing barriers and designing materials for diverse audiences, to create environments where all colleagues can thrive.
Sian was Highly Commended for her exceptional progress and potential within her non‑clinical apprenticeship. As a content creator, she has shown creativity, professionalism and strong development, demonstrating all of the qualities needed for a bright and promising NHS career.
UHMBT also received the honour of Highly Commended in the hotly contested Employer of the Year category. This award recognises organisations that show an exemplary commitment to employing and developing apprentices.
The judges praised UHMBT for deep integration of apprenticeships into leadership development, through the Trust’s People Management Development Programme (PMDP), which actively encourages managers to use apprenticeships to recruit and upskill staff.
Judges said UHMBT had a strong and sustained schools engagement model, with career talks, mock interviews and advice sessions delivered across the Morecambe Bay area. They praised the Trust’s nationally recognised work on T Levels, with UHMBT’s contribution seen as trailblazing and frequently shared as best practice across England.
They also said UHMBT’s culture was aligned to the NHS People Promise, supporting all learners and championing continuous learning. These achievements demonstrate the Trust’s long‑standing commitment to creating clear and accessible routes into NHS careers.
Michaela said: “Being an apprentice, studying digital learning design whilst working full time, has been a real journey over the past 18 months. Personally, I love learning and trying new things, so it felt like a good way to develop and apply my learning on the job.
“There are tricky parts to consider, like when I had deadlines in work and assignments, so you do have to manage and organise your time well. My team were also really supportive and understanding which helped. The diploma has given me the knowledge and confidence so I can design in line with industry practices and standards in digital learning. It was also really good to reflect on what strengths and areas to develop I can work on. Obviously as it is digital, there is always going to be more to learn, but I can already see and feel the differences whether I'm working on something new or updating existing content.”
Sian said: “The best thing about doing an apprenticeship is being able to do something I enjoy while learning new skills that support me in my role. I started my apprenticeship in July 2025 and it’s given me chances to be more creative, try new ideas and build my confidence by putting what I learn straight into my day to day work. I’ve also had great support from my manager and team.
“I am completing a 13-month Level 3 Content Creator apprenticeship that covers practical skills across video and media production, copywriting, marketing strategy, SEO, user experience, analytics and professional workflows to prepare you in creating digital content. I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering it. It’s a brilliant way to learn, earn a qualification and gain experience that can really help shape your future career.”
Hannah Rutherford, Careers and Apprenticeships Team Project Co‑ordinator, UHMBT, said: “We are incredibly proud of Michaela and Sian. Their achievements are a testament not only to their talent and hard work, but also to the supportive learning environments created by teams across our Trust. They embody everything that makes apprenticeships such a powerful route into the NHS; creativity, resilience, kindness and a passion for making a difference.
“Seeing both of them achieve ‘Highly Commended’ is a wonderful recognition of the value they bring to our Trust every day. They are brilliant ambassadors for apprenticeships and it has been a privilege to watch them grow and contribute so much to their teams.”
Carolyn Wright, Head of Colleague Experience, UHMBT, reflected on UHMBT’s Employer of the Year commendation and said: “We work incredibly hard to ensure apprenticeships are accessible and impactful for people at all stages of their career. To be recognised as a Highly Commended Employer of the Year is a huge achievement for our Trust and acknowledges the dedication of so many colleagues who go above and beyond to support our apprentices.
“From our engagement work with schools, to our PDMP training module, to our nationally recognised T Level placements, everything we do is about building a strong and skilled future workforce for Morecambe Bay. Through extensive collaboration with local schools, partner colleges and community organisations, we continue to expand opportunities for local people, ensuring the NHS remains an attractive and achievable career option.”