Occupational therapist apprentice, Heidi Crisp has been shortlisted as one of three finalist  for Apprentice of the Year in the Norfolk Apprenticeship Awards. 

After an unprecedented amount of nominations were received this year,  Heidi’s nomination impressed the judging panel highly due to her unwavering commitment to the profession.   

Heidi has been a therapy assistant with NCH&C for many years but has always wanted to gain her Occupational Therapy qualification.  The apprenticeship programme provided the perfect opportunity for her.  Heidi has faced some challenges in pursuing her dream but has faced each one with such commitment and dedication that she is an absolute credit to UEA, NCH&C and the occupational therapy profession.   

Heidi makes the most of every learning opportunity available to her and diligently applies what she has learnt at UEA back within her role in NCH&C – sharing this with her colleagues to support the development of others too.  Her enthusiasm is unfaltering.  Heidi is such an advocate for quality patient care and the role of Allied Health Professions (AHP) – she recently volunteered for the NCH&C Head of Education and Research to spend the day with her in practice to showcase the valuable work of community NHS team for AHP day 2022. 

The nomination was completed by Charmaine Chandler (Heidi’s UEA Apprentice Adviser) and her workplace mentor within NCH&C. Charmaine said "It was an absolute honour and privilege to be able to nominate Heidi for this award – she is an outstanding apprentice with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm even within the face of challenges and NHS pressures.  I am so pleased that her dedication has been recognised!”