We are The Christie magazine -Edition 5

Interested in an apprenticeship at The Christie? We offer apprenticeships in: • Business and medical administration • Healthcare (nursing, radiography, physiotherapy, pharmacy, science roles) • Management (from team leader to chartered manager) • Digital, facilities, finance, human resources Apprenticeships are available from level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to level 6 (degree level). Apprentices need to undertake 6 hours of off-the-job learning per week, and have the approval of their manager prior to applying. For more information, email the-christie.apprenticeships@nhs.net.

Leah Hutchison-Saxon (Theatre Practitioner) Leah began her Christie journey in 2019 as a healthcare assistant in clinical trials. After a decade in HR, she longed for a more people-focused role. Seeing a nursing associate apprenticeship advertised rekindled her childhood dream of becoming a nurse. This hands-on route allowed her to earn while learning, removing financial barriers that had previously held her back from attending university. After completing the apprenticeship, Leah was encouraged to apply for one of just three places on the top-up registered nurse apprenticeship. To her delight, she was accepted and is now qualified as a registered nurse, working as a theatre practitioner in surgical oncology theatres. Leah credits her success to the support of colleagues in endocrinology and the unwavering guidance and encouragement she received from Yvonne Rushton, who managed her as a nursing associate. Leah values being there for patients at vulnerable moments. She hopes to inspire others to “grab the opportunity and believe in themselves”.

Brian Hall (Pharmacy Services Assistant ) Brian Hall, one of our pharmacy assistants, was named ‘Health and Science Apprentice of the Year 2025’ at the Preston College Awards. He joined The Christie nearly six years ago, starting out in the catering team, but

always with a plan. “My intention was to do 12 months in the kitchen and then work my way onto the wards,” he explains. Despite progressing to head chef, Brian knew he wanted a more patient-facing role. “When the apprentice opportunity came up in pharmacy, I just went for it,” he says. Now working in the pharmacy team, Brian supports ward and patient top-ups and dispensing between departments, while studying towards his qualification. Returning to education was a big step. “It was a bit daunting going back into education. I hadn’t done academic work for years, but I’ve had great support from the team, and I’m really enjoying it. I’m happiest when I’m in a role where I’m helping others. I’ve never once woken up and thought, ‘I don’t fancy going in today.’ That says it all really.”

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