A 17 year old from Kirkby has been shortlisted for apprentice of the year in the North West Skills Development Network Informatics Apprentice of the Year awards.

Daniel Curran, who went to Maricourt Catholic High School in Maghull, has been shortlisted for the prestigious award due to the hard work he has displayed throughout his apprenticeship in the business intelligence team at NHS South Sefton and Southport and Formby CCGs.

The award acknowledges and celebrates the outstanding commitment to professional development and occupational progress of informatics apprentices, alongside the contribution and positive difference they make to their workplace.

Talking about his nomination, Daniel said: "In the first year of my apprenticeship I feel that I have really developed and matured personally and academically. On a personal level I feel I have matured a lot. The apprenticeship role has played a large part in developing my skills and ability to work in a team.

"I came straight into work not knowing anyone in the team so I had to take it upon myself to get to know everyone and mould myself into being part of the team. I’d say I’ve also developed my confidence in the workplace which I feel has improved a lot as before I came here I was very shy.”

Karl McCluskey, chief strategy and outcomes officer, said: “We are really happy for Daniel. He really deserves to be recognised for his work here at the CCGs. Whilst excelling in the technical and academic aspects of his learning, he has also had many professional accomplishments.

“His work has been of such a high standard that some of it has been incorporated into our monthly Integrated Performance Report, which is presented to the Governing Body and published on our website.

“Myself and the team wish him the best in the awards although getting shortlisted is already a great accomplishment and we are really proud of his achievements.”

Daniel has been shortlisted alongside Arron Jones from Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and Bethany Egerton at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.

The winner will be announced at the Informatics Connect Conference on Friday 22 September at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool.