Blackpool Teaching Hospital has been crowned Large Employer of the Year at the 2024 B&FC Apprenticeship Awards.

For years, the hospital has been at the forefront of apprenticeship initiatives, continually expanding its programme and sustaining its recruitment efforts. Every year sees a surge in apprentice numbers, a testament to the organisation's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth.

Over this time, Blackpool Teaching Hospital has also diversified the range of apprenticeship programmes it offers. From healthcare to digital technologies, human resources to project management, the hospital provides a comprehensive array of opportunities for ambitious individuals.

Central to the hospital's success is its recruitment policy. Every new vacancy is carefully considered for an apprenticeship role before being advertised, ensuring that the organisation remains constant in its mission to provide pathways for advancement and skill development.

Blackpool Teaching Hospital treat apprenticeships as more than just a recruitment tool. Instead, they are seen as an integral component of workforce planning, a sustainable solution to the ongoing challenge of talent acquisition and retention. By investing in local talent, the hospital not only secures its own future but also contributes to the long-term stability of the entire community.

As the spotlight shines brightly on Blackpool Teaching Hospital, it stands as an exceptional example of what can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in apprenticeship programmes. 

Congratulations Blackpool Teaching Hospital – B&FC’s Large Employer of the Year 2024!

Fleetwood Nautical Campus at Blackpool and The Fylde College is celebrating securing their tenth successful candidate to win the Maritime & Coastguard Agency Trainee Officer of the Year in just 17 years.

Katie Jayne McGahan Hargreaves was announced as the winner of the award at the prestigious UK Chamber of Shipping’s Annual Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane which took place on Monday 5 February 2024.

Praised by the judging panel for her academic and professional progress, Katie not only showed exceptional leadership skills throughout her course, but also highlighted the importance of teamwork in her role, frequently supporting fellow students whilst effectively managing her own extensive workload,

Having joined the Honourable Company of Master Mariners (HCMM), her mentor described her as “an absolute superstar who is developing into a shining example of a Junior Officer”, “truly in a class of her own” and “nautically minded in everything she does”.

Katie showcased this passion in numerous ways whilst studying at college. As a Careers at Sea ambassador, she attended numerous schools and college career events, actively promoting careers at sea by giving presentations and talking to prospective candidates. She also proudly represented the college at Diversity in Maritime events, at Remembrance Sunday and, most significantly, at the King’s Coronation, where she was a credit to herself, the College, her company and the maritime industry in general.

But her influence hasn’t stopped there. Using her own initiative, Katie launched and continues to maintain an Instagram account dedicated to promoting careers at sea and her own experience of life as a Trainee Officer reaching a far wider audience than she would otherwise be able to do.

Captain Neil Atkinson, Head of Fleetwood Nautical Campus, said:

“All the staff at Fleetwood Nautical Campus are absolutely delighted that Katie has been selected as the MCA Trainee Officer of the Year.

“Katie is a true role model for other trainee officers and will be cited as an individual to whom future trainee officers can aspire.

“As well as being focused on her own development, she has also been an outstanding ambassador for the College and the maritime industry in general. I wish her well in what I am sure will be a very rewarding career.”

Fleetwood Nautical Campus has received a commemorative plaque to acknowledge their part in Katie’s journey which will join the nine others already on display for previous winners. Announcing Katie’s selection, the MCA commented on the crucial role the College has played in creating the right environment for its cadets to flourish stating it is “a great reflection on the cadet programme and the depth of support provided for each cadet.” With 10 winners in only 17 years, it’s easy to see why so many potential students have their sights set on a place at an institution which produces such exceptional results.