Elle Knowles
The UK's first qualified Apprentice Prosthetic Technician
With four years of experience and a new Level 3 Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician apprenticeship certificate at Distinction level under her belt, Elle is creating positive turning points for patients every day, and she takes pride in doing so. She says, "I've always done hands-on work and I couldn't see myself doing anything else. When I saw the Prosthetic Technician apprenticeship advertised, I thought it was so different, I just had to give it a go!"
The technician workforce may be heavily male-dominated, with Elle being the only female in her team of five currently, but her Naval background makes her no stranger to this kind of environment. She says, "We're only a small department but it's a very fun team to be a part of, I felt like I fit right in from the beginning. Knowing I'm building an arm or a leg to help someone in their everyday life is so rewarding, and it's an enjoyable job that I'd recommend to all women. We certainly need more women in the industry, and I do feel like this type of delicate, accurate and patient-focused work would be enjoyed by many." Elle was the first in the country to receive the qualification under the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education and we couldn't be more proud to have such an asset on the Steeper Prosthetic Technician Team.
Rebecca Newark
Aspiring Team GB Paralympic Cyclist
At 18 years old, Rebecca had her sights firmly set on a professional cricketing career, that was until running, walking, and even standing for any period of time became increasingly painful. Rebecca was born with talipes (commonly known as club foot) but after a successful corrective surgery and subsequent orthotic treatment, she had next to no issues with her foot and ankle growing up. Little did she know, her ankle was slowly deteriorating. The prospect of rerouting her entire life plan shook Rebecca, but sporting success has always been her destiny. With the help of her Biomechanic Specialist and Specialist Orthotist Kate Chauhan at Steeper Clinic, an exciting next chapter would begin.
She recently joined the Paralympic Foundation Squad under coach Helen Scott MBE saying, "I'm so happy to be in her squad and learning from the best. She's an amazing, decorated Paralympian." With a spot on the Team GB development track now secured, Rebecca has a busy season ahead! The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are only a few more months away and Rebecca has big Paralympic dreams of her own. She says, "One of my goals is to progress into the World Class Performance Squad within the next couple of years. My ultimate dream is to be selected for Team GB's 2028 Paralympic team so I've got a lot of hard work to put in between now and then!"
Read Rebecca's Story
Kate Chauhan
Steeper Orthotist, BAPO Orthotist of the Year 2023
With over 20 years of experience, Kate has consistently demonstrated her commitment to providing exceptional care to patients. Her list of achievements is extensive; she has earned certification as a Steeper Clinic AllSTAR Clinician from Orthomerica, has been commended for her presentations at BAPO conferences, and completed her Master of Science in clinical research methods, exemplifying her ability to evaluate research and incorporate evidence-based practices into her work.
BAPO, in presenting the award to Kate, emphasised her outstanding contributions to the field, stating, "Kate has excelled, setting an example to others, through being active in research; inspiring others to explore this area of practice, which is essential in demonstrating contemporary, evidence-based, cost-effective prosthetic and orthotic care. Kate has successfully developed her experience, engaging with several studies, including National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) randomised control trials."
Read the full article