A NORTH-EAST nursing student who is also training to be in the army’s Reserve Forces has received a £2,500 award for her work.

Georgia Jobes completed this stage of her military education alongside her Nursing Studies degree at Northumbria University, Newcastle. The University has close links with the Army, particularly the 201 (Northern) Field Hospital in Newcastle who Georgia trained with.

The Partnership for Talent award was granted as part of a new national scheme which looks to improve recruitment to army reservist programmes, particularly those with clinical skills.

“I come from a military background and was first introduced to Army Reserves through family members,” explains Georgia, age 20. “I’m delighted to have received the Partnership for Talent award and think that it provides a great incentive for healthcare students like myself to get involved with the reserves.”

Professor Kath McCourt, honorary colonel and executive dean of health and life sciences courses at Northumbria University, presented Georgia with her cheque at the awards evening.

She said: “Northumbria University regularly supports students, especially from health profession courses, joining the Army’s Reserve Force and we have a number of students already on the Reservist Register.

"Georgia’s commitment to her military education and training has been exemplary. She will graduate as both a qualified nurse and a qualified soldier. This award opens more doors for her and enhances her employability.”

For Georgia, balancing her academic and army life has been made easier by continued support from university staff.

“Of course it can be hard at times to manage my university work alongside the commitments to my unit, but Northumbria has been extremely supportive,” she said.