Abbie Cookson-Cliffe, NHS: Higher Apprentice of the Year 2025

We are thrilled to celebrate Abbie Cookson-Cliffe, winner of the Higher Apprentice of the Year Award for 2025. 

Abbie joined her apprenticeship programme as a System Manager within the NHS, aiming to enhance her ability to support services effectively. From the outset, Abbie was described as a ‘tour de force’—knowledgeable, driven, and always seeking to place her learning in the context of her role and the wider NHS landscape. Her final project was ‘thorough, very well put together and very important to her business and the general public.’

One notable example of Abbie’s ingenuity was during her mock presentation, where she overcame the challenge of losing her voice by pre-recording her PowerPoint narration. Her tutor shared that it was ‘the best mock presentation he had seen in 30 years of working in business and the logistics industry.’ This forward-thinking solution left her tutor and colleagues in awe, setting a benchmark for excellence.

Abbie’s apprenticeship experience helped her realise just how capable she is. Initially unaware of the full extent of her abilities, she grew significantly through the programme. As her tutor noted, ‘the apprenticeship helped her become more aware of her strengths and how she should play to them.’ Her continuous improvement mindset contributed not only to patient care but also to organisational efficiencies.

Her growing confidence allowed her to support others, with one fellow learner saying, ‘just how much Abbie has helped her.’ Abbie’s influence extended beyond her role, demonstrating her ability to mentor others and foster a collaborative learning environment.

Abbie’s apprenticeship was not without its challenges. Amidst an organisational merger and team transitions, she faced a few uncertainties. By embracing the principles of change management, Abbie turned potential setbacks into opportunities for growth. She also managed a demanding workload as the sole dependency in her team while continuing to excel in her apprenticeship.

Abbie’s commitment to her role extended to streamlining processes for a volunteer swimming club in her personal life, showcasing her ability to apply her skills in diverse settings.

Abbie’s contributions have brought significant benefits to the NHS Trust. Her deep understanding of operational processes and system configuration has enabled her to identify areas for improvement and implement impactful changes. Abbie has built strong professional relationships across the organisation, encouraging collaboration and ensuring the success of critical projects.

Her proactive approach and leadership qualities have been instrumental in creating a positive and productive project environment. Abbie has not only supported her team but has also influenced the wider organisation by sharing insights and advocating for service improvements.

Abbie’s story highlights the value of combining structured training with practical experience to achieve professional and personal growth. As a trailblazer in her field, Abbie’s accomplishments serve as an inspiration to her peers and a model for developing talent within the organisation.

Congratulations, Abbie Cookson-Cliffe, on this well-deserved recognition. Your dedication, adaptability, and impact are a true reflection of the qualities celebrated by the Higher Apprentice of the Year Award.