An apprentice who saved her local NHS trust approximately £590,000 with her course project joined her fellow apprentices and Higher Education students at Milton Keynes College Group’s (MKCG’s) Graduation ceremony last week.
Around 170 former students of MK College and the South Central Institute of Technology came together at The Stables to celebrate completing their apprenticeships, HNCs, HNDs and professional qualifications.
The cohort included Kayleigh Southern, who completed her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Team Leading after recently taking on a management position at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Kayleigh’s apprenticeship involved learning about management, leadership techniques and project management, with one of her projects saving the NHS Trust around £590,000 and reducing patient wait times by three months.
Kayleigh Southern, former MK College apprentice and Assistant Service Manager at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “Younger me couldn’t imagine being a manager, but my apprenticeship and the support from the staff at MK College gave me the tools, techniques and confidence to progress in my career. I learned so much, not just from the course itself but also from my fellow apprentices and their diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
"My teachers were incredible and I now count my tutor as a friend and mentor whose advice has been invaluable. I’d thoroughly recommend an apprenticeship – it gives you skills you can apply to both your personal and professional life”.
Sally Alexander, CEO and Group Principal at MK College Group, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our Graduates. They’ve worked so hard to achieve their qualifications, in what have been very challenging times. And like Kayleigh, they’ve all learned skills they can apply to their work and personal lives, whatever stage of their careers they’re in.
"Today is also about celebrating our staff who have supported our learners throughout their time at the College Group, and ensured that they have the best possible learning experience. Congratulations to all of our Graduates, and the best of luck for their next steps”.