Health Hero Andy is top apprentice

Andrew, 20, a business support executive at The Edinburgh Clinic, was one of only three Scots who were shortlisted for the award and triumphed over 167 entrants throughout the UK for the prize.

Andrew was nominated by his colleagues for his eagerness to learn and develop new skills, commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and the key role he has played in developing the clinic’s digital channels.

After being nominated by his colleagues, the category shortlist was made up of 50 per cent of public vote with Andrew winning the gold award.

Commenting on his award win Andrew said: “I’m really honoured to have won Apprentice of the Year. I love my job so it is great to be acknowledged for delivering a high standard of work, especially against such fantastic nominees.

“When I left school I was keen to pursue a career in business and not go into higher education. I wanted to get a foot on the career ladder and work my way up.

“Through QA apprenticeships I managed to secure a role at The Edinburgh Clinic as an apprentice marketing assistant.

“Since then I have worked my way up to business support manager. The opportunity to learn about marketing and general business was what I was looking for and being able to do that at the clinic is a bonus.

“I joined The Edinburgh Clinic when I was just 17 and the team have helped me to grow into the person that I am today, I am really looking forward to continuing my career with them.”

Asked where he sees himself in the next five years, he said: “I want to keep learning first and foremost. I would like to see myself continuing to grow and progress within the business and to make significant steps to becoming a general manager.”

His boss Alasdair Muir, clinic manager, said: “Andrew’s award is well deserved and the entire team is very proud of him. He is an asset to his colleagues here at The Edinburgh Clinic and it has been a pleasure watching him develop into a vibrant and conscientious young man.”

The ceremony was hosted by Loose Woman panellist Linda Robson.

The Edinburgh Clinic was founded in 2008 and is part the Aspen Healthcare group which owns seven other healthcare facilities in England.

The clinic is a private day-care hospital offering fast access to appointments for out-patient consultation, on-site diagnostic imaging and day-case surgical treatment close to the heart of the Capital.