Janet wins Higher Apprentice of the Year award
Janet Bevan, a principal occupational therapist at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital was crowned Higher Apprentice of the Year at last night’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2015 ceremony which was held in the Celtic Manor Resort.
Janet already had an Occupational Therapy degree as well as many other qualifications but, in order to progress her career, needed more confidence. She says the Higher Apprenticeship has “transformed” her, so much so that soon after starting the programme she was promoted to principal occupational therapist for the Older Person’s Mental Health Service.
“The knowledge and skills I gained had boosted my confidence in my ability to manage, so after much persuasion, I applied for the promotion,” she said. “This happened just as I got married and I had to prepare for my interview whilst on honeymoon!”
Janet managed a team of 19 staff whilst also completing her ILM Level 5 in Leadership and Management and the Management NVQ Diploma Level 5. She attended study days organised by training provider ACT Limited and met her assessor every month, but had to complete the work in her own time.
“Working full time with the additional management responsibilities, as well as completing the course, was hard but it was worth it,” she said. “I continually use the skills I have gained to improve and develop my team and the service we deliver.”
She is now planning to study for the Level 7 Management Award with the ILM.
Alyson Davies, assistant director of therapies and health science, said: “Janet demonstrates excellent leadership and management to her team and deserves this recognition.”
