Big Smiles for Dental Nurse Apprentice
Just over two years ago, Gillian, 62, was at the stage in her life where she had spent years working, firstly in sales, before moving on to a training company where she helped students find an Apprenticeship – but in a bizarre turn of events, she has found herself on an Apprenticeship of her own.
“I felt like the time had come in my then career was coming to an end and found myself thinking – what next?” she says.
“I saw a job advert for a Dental Nurse Apprenticeship which really caught my eye but thought – I can’t do an Apprenticeship, they’ll laugh at my application if I send it. I didn’t think they would want someone like me, I thought they would want a bright, shiny school leaver.”
The Dental Nurse Apprenticeship, which was being advertised by Sharoe Green Dental Practice in partnership with Preston’s College wanted a Dental Nurse and so with a bit of hesitation, Gillian applied for the role and got it!
Two years and a lot of hard work and dedication later, she has now completed her Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing; is a fully-fledged member of the team and is looking forward to new courses and qualifications that are available to her.
Gillian says: “I have enjoyed every moment working here. We’re like one big family and everyone is so lovely. It’s such a rewarding job too and we have such a wonderful diverse customer base. Everyone’s made me feel so welcome.
“I’d also like to say a big thank you to the tutors at Preston’s College for being so approachable, supportive and friendly. My maths tutor was an absolute star – turning me form a complete dinosaur into understanding application of numbers. And a big thank you to both my Apprenticeship Assessor and my tutor for encouraging me all the way, for making learning fun finding ways for all of us to fully understand difficult topics.”
Kate Holden, Practice Manager says: “Since beginning her apprenticeship at Sharoe Green Dental Practice, Gillian has consistently striven to do the best she can and learn from others. She is a wonderful team player and has developed great relationships with her colleagues and patients. She has demonstrated resilience in all that she does; wanting to learn from the clinicians she is paired with and the experienced nurses within the practice. She has brought a calming presence to the practice, being a role model to younger nurses with her maturity and commitment. Gillian approaches work with a professional attitude and a much needed sense of humour. We couldn’t imagine the practice without her and are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved.”
