Medical engineering apprentice from the north east receives national recognition at the Healthcare Estates Awards
Medical engineering apprentice Frankie Taylor-Smith from Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM), has won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ from the national Healthcare Estates Awards 2025.
The annual awards ceremony celebrates the contributions of both teams and individuals within healthcare estates and facilities management, including engineering. Those who are nominated for an award demonstrate an outstanding attitude towards creating a positive impact within the delivery of healthcare.
Beginning her journey with NHFM in 2023, Frankie is two years into her Level 3 Healthcare Engineering Specialist Technician apprenticeship, having previously completed a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with Northumbria Healthcare.
Talking about her award win, Frankie said: “I’m so proud of winning this award and incredibly grateful to my managers for nominating me for this. My apprenticeship journey has been fulfilling as I’ve been able to work on a range of projects that make a difference to the wider trust and have a positive impact on patient care.”
Chris Glass, Frankie’s line manager and deputy head of medical engineering said: “Since Frankie started in the department with us, she has repeatedly demonstrated a fantastic attitude towards everything she has been tasked with and an eagerness to learn. Frankie is a great example of how apprentices are a valuable part of the team and her contributions have had a positive impact on her colleagues and the wider team.”
Northumbria Healthcare has an extensive apprenticeship programme that provides an alternative career pathway for those wishing to progress their career without going down the full-time university route. Apprenticeships are available in both clinical and non-clinical roles, including estates and facilities.