'Student of the Year' Jessica Bailey shortlisted

A culture of supporting young talent is paying off for County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, as 21 year old Jessica Bailey, who works for the Trust as a project support officer, has been shortlisted in the 'Student of the Year' category of the Association of Project Managers' national awards. 

Initially, Jessica, who currently lives in Newton Aycliffe, but is originally from Saltburn, joined the Trust in May 2017 on a placement, as part of her degree in project management with Leeds Beckett University, helping develop plans for a new Emergency Care Centre at University Hospital of North Durham.   Jessica was such an asset to the team, and as part of the Trust's commitment to support and develop talent, the University agreed Jessica could continue working while she completed her studies. 

Jessica is supported in her work by Bill Headley, project director and Elaine Criddle, operational project manager, who said: "Jessica being shortlisted in these awards is absolutely brilliant. It is a testament to the importance of supporting young talent and the benefits they can bring to an organisation like ours. Jessica brings a different perspective to the work, she challenges us and contributes different ideas and suggestions which are valuably based on the theory she is gaining through her degree. We hope she goes on to win but just being shortlisted in the final three is a fantastic achievement in itself." 

Jessica said, "I was really delighted when, at the end of my placement, the Trust asked if I wanted to continue working with them - it's what many students dream will happen.  The university recognised this was a great opportunity for me so agreed I can work 3.5 days a week for the Trust and I commute to Leeds on the remaining 1.5 days.  I'm finding that my studies are benefiting from my working experience and visa versa.  I feel very lucky." 

Winners will be announced later in the month.

Ends

Published 13th March 2019