Celebrating Daniela: A Peterborough Apprenticeship Awards 2025 Finalist

At Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), we believe apprenticeships are transformational. Not just for the students themselves, but for the employers they work with and the communities they serve.

Finalists during the 2025 Peterborough Apprenticeship Awards

That’s why we’re so proud to see Daniela Rusalim, one of our Degree Apprentices, shortlisted as a Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year Finalist in the 2025 Peterborough Apprenticeship Awards.

Daniela is undertaking her apprenticeship at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAngliaFT). As a qualified pharmacist, she entered the programme with little experience in patient examination and diagnosis, but a determination to expand her clinical skills and make a greater impact on patient care.

A journey of growth and resilience

For Daniela, the apprenticeship has been both challenging and rewarding. She describes stepping outside her comfort zone, learning new skills, and applying her knowledge directly to patient care.

Profile photo of Daniela Rusalim

“Having a growth mindset has been crucial. I started this programme with very little clinical experience, but I’ve learned that with determination and support, you can achieve far more than you think possible.” – Daniela

Her journey has not been without personal challenges, but throughout, Daniela has emphasised the importance of strong support networks, from ARU tutors, her clinical colleagues, and her mentors at NWAngliaFT. This collaboration has enabled her to build confidence, embrace feedback, and pursue ambitious projects, including preparing the Trust for future gene therapy clinical trials.

The employer’s perspective

Laura Dilley, Daniela’s Clinical Supervisor and Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner at NWAngliaFT, has witnessed her journey first-hand.

“Daniela is a trailblazer. The first pharmacist we’ve had on this pathway. She has embraced the challenge with positivity and determination, growing her clinical knowledge and leadership skills while using her pharmaceutical expertise to support colleagues. Daniela rises above challenges, advocates passionately for patients, and leads quality improvements across our services. She is an inspiring leader and a pleasure to supervise.” – Laura Dilley

Apprenticeships as a partnership

Daniela’s success is the product of a true partnership:

  • The apprentice, bringing motivation, resilience, and a drive to learn.
  • The employer, providing mentorship, opportunities, and real-world experience.
  • The university, delivering structured academic learning and ongoing support.

Together, this collaboration equips apprentices not only with clinical expertise but also the leadership and behavioural skills needed to drive lasting improvements in health and care.

As Laura reflects:
“The apprenticeship route allows us to train in a structured way while also supporting their personal growth. Apprentices like Daniela are the future of the NHS and mentoring them is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”

Transforming the future of Healthcare

Daniela’s nomination is a celebration not just of her hard work, but of the value of apprenticeships as transformational education programmes. They open doors, strengthen services, and inspire others.

At ARU, we are proud to work with employers like NWAngliaFT to support talented apprentices who are shaping the future of healthcare and public service.

Congratulations to Daniela on her well-deserved recognition as a finalist. We can’t wait to see all she achieves next.



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