Exceptional Apprentices – Nominations
Adam is a high‑performing apprentice who has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to his training and ongoing personal development.
He approaches his work with a strong ethic, a clear focus on quality, and a genuine desire to succeed. These attributes have been recognised not only within his immediate team but also by senior managers across the business.
Adam works extremely well as part of a team and frequently goes beyond what is expected of him. He is always willing to support colleagues and actively contributes to ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and project deadlines are achieved. He listens carefully, respects different viewpoints, and collaborates effectively within diverse teams across various workshops.
He clearly understands and consistently upholds both the College’s and the employer’s core values. Adam maintains a consistently polite and professional manner and demonstrates commitment, excellence, teamwork, and trust in all aspects of his role.
Overall, Adam has shown significant potential and is well placed to achieve continued success in his current role, with clear capability for future progression and leadership responsibilities.
Since joining Sika in January 2025 Andrew has demonstrated a willingness to learn and develop and has become an integral part of the maintenance team. His attitude and can do spirit is amazing, (we call it Sika Spirit!) he listens to his peers and interacts with his fellow colleagues superbly well and embraces the opportunity to learn new tasks, always asking questions and has a desire to keep learning. Andrew has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his role and his attendance is exemplary, especially given his commute to work each day is via public transport. His on the job learning portfolio is exceptional and he is now responsible for daily tasks on and around the plant. Not at any time has Andrew not given 100% to the work and is an example for others in demonstrating how to make the most of the opportunity afforded to him. We are looking forward to seeing Andrew develop further and to successfully complete his studies in engineering, and progress within his role at Sika.
I am incredibly proud to nominate Anya for this apprenticeship award, as her journey, character, and achievements truly set her apart. Despite facing significant personal adversity, Anya has shown remarkable resilience, determination, and strength of character. Rather than allowing challenges to define her, she has used them as motivation to excel, demonstrating maturity and perseverance well beyond her years.
Academically, Anya achieved the highest known score on her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing at Preston College- an exceptional accomplishment that reflects her dedication, self-discipline, and genuine passion for her profession. Balancing academic excellence alongside the demands of clinical practice is no small feat, yet Anya has consistently risen to the challenge.
As a Dental Nurse, Anya is exceptional. She approaches her role with professionalism, confidence, and a genuine desire to deliver the highest standard of care. Patients immediately feel at ease with Anya due to her kind, caring, and compassionate nature. She takes the time to listen, reassure, and support patients, ensuring they feel comfortable, respected, and valued throughout their treatment.
As a colleague, Anya is equally outstanding. She is dependable, supportive, and a true team player who brings positivity to the workplace. Her strong work ethic, willingness to help others, and calm, thoughtful approach make her a valued and trusted member of the team.
Anya is a shining example of what an apprenticeship can achieve. Her journey is one of resilience, excellence, and compassion, and she represents not only the future of dental nursing, but the very best of it. She is an incredibly deserving nominee for this award.
Before Becky joined Foran & Blake, she was very close to giving up on hairdressing altogether. She had previously worked in another salon where her confidence was significantly knocked, leaving her feeling unsure of herself and her future in the industry. Despite her passion for hairdressing, this experience made her question whether she was good enough to continue. Since starting at Foran & Blake 14 months ago, Becky has completely transformed — both professionally and personally. Watching her rebuild her confidence has been one of the most rewarding parts of having her in the salon. Through hard work, determination, and a genuine desire to learn, she has grown into a strong, capable, and confident apprentice.
Becky is one of the most hardworking individuals I have worked with. She arrives every day with a positive attitude and a willingness to give her best, even when she is pushed outside of her comfort zone. She brings warmth, energy, and positivity into the salon, helping to create a supportive and welcoming environment for clients and colleagues alike. Her commitment to learning is exceptional. Becky takes full responsibility for her own development, regularly spending her own time watching educational videos and researching new techniques in cutting, colouring, and styling. She consistently applies this knowledge in the salon and actively asks for feedback, showing real determination to improve.
Becky also understands the importance of the business side of hairdressing. She sets herself targets for retail and service sales and works hard to achieve them, contributing directly to the growth of the salon. Her involvement in marketing and client engagement has helped increase sales and strengthen client relationships. One of Becky’s greatest strengths is her compassion. She has an incredible ability to connect with people and make them feel genuinely cared for. A particularly touching example was when a client had recently lost her husband. Becky took time out of her day to talk with her, offering kindness, comfort, and support. She even invited the client to call into the salon for a coffee whenever she felt lonely — a gesture that went far beyond her role, but perfectly reflects her character.
Despite experiencing personal challenges in her own life, Becky has never allowed this to affect her work or professionalism. She continues to show resilience, strength, and consistency, which is remarkable given how close she once came to walking away from the industry altogether. From someone who almost gave up on hairdressing, Becky has grown into a dedicated, motivated, and inspiring apprentice. Her journey, work ethic, compassion, and personal growth make her an outstanding candidate and a truly deserving winner of Apprentice of the year
I am nominating Ben for the Exceptional Apprentice Award in recognition of his remarkable development, his outstanding standards of work, and the positive influence he has on learners at all stages of their training.
Ben began his journey at Preston College as a study programme learner. Through consistent effort, determination, and a genuine commitment to his craft, he has progressed into one of the strongest bench apprentices I have taught. This progression reflects not only his technical ability, but also his mindset, professionalism, and willingness to continually improve. He demonstrates a real thirst for knowledge and consistently seeks to deepen his understanding of architectural joinery. Ben holds himself to exceptionally high standards and is rarely satisfied with work that simply meets the brief. He takes pride in accuracy, finish, and traditional bench skills, often refining his work until it reaches a level that exceeds expectations for a Level 3 learner. His attention to detail and respect for quality are evident in everything he produces.
Ben works within a combined class of Level 2 and Level 3 learners and has naturally become someone others look up to. Level 2 learners regularly observe his approach, organisation, and standard of workmanship, and he sets a clear example of what can be achieved through focus and dedication. He is approachable, supportive, and willing to share his knowledge, helping to raise standards across the group. His journey from study programme learner to high-performing apprentice makes Ben a credit to Preston College. He embodies the qualities of an exceptional apprentice and fully deserves recognition for both his personal achievement and the positive influence he has on others.
I am delighted to nominate Eden for this Apprentice Award, as she is without question one of the most impressive apprentices I have had the pleasure of working with. Eden is currently studying AAT Level 4 and continues to perform exceptionally well in all of her exams, consistently achieving results above the expected pass rates. The feedback we receive from her college is always extremely positive, with tutors regularly commenting on how far ahead she is compared to others at the same level. This is a direct result of her commitment, strong work ethic, and genuine desire to learn and develop within the profession.
In the workplace, Eden is a real asset to our finance team and the wider business. She applies her knowledge confidently and accurately, adding value well beyond what would normally be expected from an apprentice. She approaches her work with maturity, professionalism, and attention to detail, and she can always be relied upon to take ownership of tasks and see them through. Eden is also a fantastic team player. She is always willing to help others and does so with patience and kindness. In particular, she has played a key role in supporting our junior apprentice, Amy, using her own skills and experience to guide and encourage her. This comes naturally to Eden and clearly demonstrates her leadership potential and her ability to positively influence those around her.
What truly sets Eden apart is her attitude. She is motivated, dependable, and consistently exceeds expectations. She takes pride in her work and represents both herself and the business extremely well at all times. There is no doubt that Eden has a very bright future ahead of her in finance. She has all the qualities needed to succeed and progress into a leadership role, and I am confident she will continue to achieve great things. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.
Liz has demonstrated her commitment to learning from the very first induction day, and her commitment and passion has not wavered since.
Liz is proactive in her own learning, as each skills and medical condition unit has been delivered Liz has asked her manager for additional experience alongside her own Pharmacy skills training, by shadowing members of the multidisciplinary teams that link to the particular condition being studied to gain a full understanding of a patients journey from admission, pharmacy medicine reviews, treatment plans, discharge and support in the community.
She has always been an active student, sharing her experiences with her peers, which has helped to open up good peer discussion in class sessions and promoted GPHC standards for professionalism and leadership skills.
Her assignment work is above and beyond what is expected.
Liz has all the skills, behaviors, empathy and professionalism to excel as a registered Pharmacy Technician. And in Liz’s words she lives and breathes Pharmacy.
I would be very proud to work alongside her in Pharmacy, and I am very proud to have been part of her learning journey.
I would like to nominate George in recognition of his remarkable personal and professional journey throughout his apprenticeship. George chose the apprenticeship pathway after struggling significantly in school with anxiety, behavioural challenges, and periods of disengagement, including time in the PRU system at Athena, the ED Diversity Centre. He needed structure and support to overcome these difficulties, and the apprenticeship has provided exactly that, enabling him to gain valuable skills while building confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. At the start of his apprenticeship, George’s biggest challenge was managing his anxiety and self-doubt in a professional environment. Even small tasks, such as answering the phone or engaging in meetings, were initially overwhelming. Over time, George has chipped away at these barriers, gradually building confidence and professionalism. He has developed the ability to present information to directors, communicate effectively with colleagues, resolve workplace issues, and ensure work is completed efficiently. His progress is remarkable and demonstrates his determination, perseverance, and willingness to push himself outside of his comfort zone.
George’s personal growth is highly evident. He is now significantly more mature and takes greater responsibility for both his learning and workplace contributions. Managers rely on him for important tasks, recognising him as a dependable and trusted member of the team. His work ethic has improved considerably, and he consistently demonstrates reliability, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. In addition, George always keeps his off-the-job (OTJ) training fully up to date, putting in the hard work required to ensure he meets all requirements and maximises his learning opportunities. Academically, George has achieved outstanding results, successfully passing all four AAT exams, including achieving the highest mark in his Management Accounting exam. His class participation at Preston College has been excellent, with consistently high attendance and active engagement, further reflecting his commitment to his personal and professional development.
Link to Preston College’s 5As of Ambition:
Attitude: George consistently demonstrates a positive and determined approach, showing resilience in overcoming challenges and a genuine willingness to learn.
Accountability: He takes full responsibility for his actions, learning, and work performance, understanding the impact of his decisions on himself and others.
Attendance: George’s excellent attendance throughout the year highlights his commitment and reliability.
Aspiration: He continues to aim high, setting ambitious personal and professional goals and embracing every opportunity to develop his skills and confidence.
Achievement: George has successfully completed all AAT exams, including achieving the highest mark in Management Accounting, while showing significant personal growth, maturity, and professionalism.
Overall, George’s journey from a young person facing significant anxiety and school challenges to a confident, capable, and highly reliable Level 4 AAT apprentice is exceptional. His dedication, maturity, strong work ethic, and commitment to continuous learning make him an extremely deserving nominee.
I would like to nominate Jessica Roocroft in recognition of her outstanding dedication, professionalism, and achievement throughout her apprenticeship journey. Jessica chose the apprenticeship pathway after completing AAT Level 2 in the evenings, recognising that she required a balance between formal learning and practical, hands-on experience. She wanted the opportunity to apply her knowledge directly in a workplace setting, gaining confidence and understanding more quickly than she could through classroom learning alone. Jessica’s journey has not been without challenges. She has had to balance full-time work responsibilities with studying, alongside raising young children. Managing exam deadlines, workplace tasks, and family commitments simultaneously was difficult at first, and there were times when the pressure felt overwhelming. However, Jessica demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, carefully planning her schedule, managing her time efficiently, and drawing on support from her family when needed. Her ability to persevere through these challenges while maintaining excellence in both her work and studies is a testament to her character and commitment.
Throughout her apprenticeship, Jessica has consistently shown exceptional focus, professionalism, and reliability. Her attendance has been exemplary, and she actively participates in class, contributing thoughtfully and engaging fully with all learning opportunities. She consistently keeps her off-the-job (OTJ) training fully up to date, dedicating herself to maintaining progress and achieving the highest possible standards. Jessica has successfully completed all Level 4 AAT exams, consistently achieving top marks, reflecting her hard work, technical ability, and attention to detail. Jessica’s personal growth is highly evident. She has matured significantly during her apprenticeship, taking on more responsibility in the workplace and becoming a trusted and reliable member of her team. Managers regularly rely on her for important tasks, recognising her improved work ethic, professionalism, and accountability. She has developed strong technical skills, including bookkeeping, preparing financial records, and using accounting software, alongside personal skills such as communication, attention to detail, and time management.
Link to Preston College’s 5As of Ambition:
Attitude: Jessica demonstrates a consistently positive attitude and strong work ethic, approaching challenges with determination and focus.
Accountability: She takes responsibility for her learning, work, and actions, ensuring that she meets expectations and understands the impact of her decisions.
Attendance: Her excellent attendance highlights her dedication to her apprenticeship and her commitment to achieving her goals.
Aspiration: Jessica consistently aims high, managing multiple responsibilities while striving to achieve her full potential.
Achievement: She has successfully completed all Level 4 AAT exams, consistently achieving the highest marks, and has shown remarkable personal growth and professional development.
Overall, Jessica’s journey is an inspiring example of resilience, dedication, and achievement. Despite the challenges of balancing work, study, and family life, she has demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and commitment at the highest level. Her maturity, responsibility, and continued pursuit of excellence make her an exceptionally deserving nominee.
When Katie joined us straight from school, she was extremely shy and lacked confidence, especially in customer facing situations. The idea of speaking to a customer on the phone genuinely terrified her. What has happened in the 18 months since is nothing short of remarkable. Katie has transformed into a confident, capable and trusted member of the team who now takes orders, supports key stakeholders and receives glowing customer feedback. We’ve even had customers jokingly tell her “I love you”, which still makes us laugh but it perfectly captures the rapport and trust she has built through warmth, professionalism and consistency.
From day one, Katie’s work ethic has stood out. Over 18 months she has maintained 100% attendance and has not been late once. That reliability is especially valuable in a fast-paced customer operations environment where high standards and quick responses directly affect service and performance. Katie started with the basics, answering emails and taking calls. She treated each task as a chance to learn and quickly progressed into confidently using our complex stock and order management systems. Placing supplier orders, processing customer orders, completing stock checks, resolving issues and keeping everything accurate under pressure.
Her development has been particularly impressive in digital and technical skills. Katie began with a basic Microsoft Office skill set, yet in a short time her Excel skills have accelerated dramatically. More importantly, she applies what she learns to deliver real outcomes. A standout example is her final project: Katie integrated our sports product range onto the Decathlon website, creating a new sales channel that remains a reliable source of revenue for the business. This was not a simple admin task, it required planning, technical accuracy and commercial awareness well beyond what we would normally expect from someone so early in their career. She managed product data and media, pricing and margin control, stock flow and forecasting, supplier ordering, cash-flow awareness and courier capacity and delivery planning. All while delivering within the timeframe and to a high level of accuracy.
Katie has also made a point of understanding the business end-to-end. She took the initiative to build relationships across departments, including the warehouse and self-storage teams, so she could see how decisions upstream affect outcomes downstream. As her confidence has grown, she has naturally taken on more responsibility, including helping to manage business emails across sites and platforms to keep customer communication consistent, timely and professional. What truly sets Katie apart is that she doesn’t stop at “doing her job”. She spots opportunities to improve and acts on them. She launched a mini project to boost our Trustpilot rating and, in just six weeks, helped move us from 2.9 to 4.1, strengthening customer confidence and our reputation.
Katie is also a role model. She supports our newest Business Administration apprentice by reassuring them about the qualification, helping them settle in, and offering practical day-to-day support. She shares knowledge generously and helps others feel capable.
Finally, Katie contributes positively to team culture, helping organise staff activities that build morale. Katie completed her apprenticeship with a Distinction, reflecting the standard she sets in everything she does. I was an apprentice through Preston College myself and have seen many apprentices come and go; Katie stands out as one of the most impressive we have had, for her growth, consistency, impact and character. She is an inspiration to others and is absolutely deserving of this award.
Over the last 18 months Katie has developed into a excellent welder. She is keen to learn new skills and she pays attention while learning from experienced members of staff, asks questions when unsure and has been willing to practice to improve her skills. Katie is now showing a high level of skill and enthusiasm for her role in fabrication and welding. She has become a valued member of the team and I am sure she will continue to develop her skills in the future. With the hands-on experience and skills she has developed, and the excellent college work I am sure she will be a worthy candidate.
I am nominating my apprentice for this award because she truly deserves to be recognised for the incredible dedication and resilience she has shown. Her journey has not been easy. After her previous apprenticeship salon went into liquidation, she reached out to us and, from the moment she joined, she settled in so naturally that it felt like she had always been part of the team.
For someone who is only 18, she has absolutely blown us away. She is mature beyond her years and has a natural ability to communicate with clients in a way that many people with far more experience still struggle to do. She uses her initiative every single day and has picked up skills that even seasoned professionals I know have taken years to grasp.
She is always punctual for both work and college, and through her hard work and commitment she is now set to qualify early. Her passion for the industry shines through in everything she does. She is a true team player and goes out of her way to promote the business and support everyone around her.
I genuinely couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. She works incredibly hard and has shown a level of professionalism and enthusiasm that is rare to find. I am so grateful that she reached out to us when she did, because she has become an invaluable part of our team
Max is an exceptional Level 3 automotive apprentice who is being put forward as an award nominee in recognition of his outstanding performance throughout his programme. He has consistently met and exceeded all targets set, demonstrating a high level of professionalism, technical competence, and commitment to both his employer and training provider. Max has exceeded all agreed performance targets, showing an excellent level of technical knowledge and the ability to apply this effectively within a demanding operational environment. He consistently completes tasks to a very high standard, shows initiative beyond the expectations of his role, and actively seeks opportunities to develop his skills and understanding further. Max maintains exemplary attendance at college, with a consistently punctual and reliable approach. His commitment to attending and engaging fully in his learning reflects his professionalism and dedication to achieving the highest standards. In college, Max makes a consistently positive contribution in class, engaging thoughtfully in discussions and collaborative activities. He supports his peers where appropriate and demonstrates a strong willingness to learn, reflect, and continuously improve his performance. Within NorthWest Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Max works exceptionally well with his mentors and wider team. He responds positively and professionally to guidance and feedback, communicates effectively, and adheres to procedures and standards with a mature and responsible approach. His conduct in the workplace reflects a high level of trustworthiness and reliability. Max always demonstrates respect towards mentors, managers, tutors, and peers. His attitude is consistently positive, and he represents both his employer and training provider to a very high standard.
Max is an exemplary Level 3 automotive apprentice whose performance consistently exceeds expectations. His outstanding attitude, excellent attendance, respectful conduct, and effective teamwork make him a highly deserving candidate for formal recognition. He is a credit to North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust and his training provider and is well-positioned for continued success within the automotive and fleet maintenance sector. Max is strongly recommended for award recognition and continued progression within his apprenticeship and future career.
I would love to nominate Michelle for her pure determination, hard work, and enthusiasm, which she has consistently demonstrated throughout the entire course. Michelle comes into work every day with a positive, energetic attitude and a strong willingness to complete her role to the best of her ability, always eager to learn and expand her knowledge.
When we have new starters, Michelle takes it upon herself to support, guide, and train them in the way we work, always being a reliable and encouraging presence. She has completed her workplace skills unit to the highest standard and has produced some truly outstanding work. Michelle is also a mum with a family, yet this has never hindered her determination to succeed on this course and achieve her goals at work.
Owen is a dedicated Level 3 automotive apprentice who has worked consistently and diligently to meet all targets set throughout his programme. His determination and strong work ethic are evident in both his academic and practical performance. Owen has achieved 100% attendance at college, demonstrating an excellent level of commitment, reliability, and professionalism. He contributes positively in class, engaging with learning activities and discussions, and works effectively alongside his peers, offering support where appropriate. In the workplace, Owen works well with his mentors, responding positively to guidance and feedback. He applies his learning responsibly, follows instructions carefully, and demonstrates a growing level of confidence and competence in his role. Owen consistently demonstrates respect towards his mentor, manager, and tutors, maintaining a professional and courteous attitude at all times. His conduct reflects credit on himself, his employer, and his training provider. Overall, Owen is a deserving Level 3 automotive apprentice nominee whose commitment, attendance, teamwork, and respectful approach make him well-suited for recognition.
When Sam first joined us here at Preston College; he seemed quiet, almost shy, displaying little confidence in his own abilities. As time passed, I could see, Sam has a lot more talent than I feel he realized, when it came to tiling. The tasks I put in front of Sam, became ever more challenging. Each time, without complaint, Sam would complete the work and move onto the next challenge, with his technical skills and confidence, ever growing.
Sam volunteered to enter the regional skill build competition to challenge both himself and other participants, and did himself proud. After weeks of waiting for all regional competitions to finish; the results came in, and Sam had qualified for the national final. On congratulating Sam on his achievement, I asked how he was felling about making it to the nationals. Obviously, Sam was very pleased with getting to the finals and looking forward to attending these. We talked about how Sam will now be competing against the cream of young British tilers and how valuable this experience will be, whatever the outcome. Sam, looked me in the eye and said “I’m going there, to win” and he did, taking first place. What an achievement. Well done, Sam.
I am proud to nominate Shaun Earl, a Level 3 Apprentice Bricklayer, for this prestigious award. Over the course of his apprenticeship, Shaun has not only demonstrated exceptional skill and work ethic in bricklaying but has also shown remarkable perseverance and commitment to overcoming personal challenges in math and English.
From the very beginning, Shaun faced difficulties with certain aspects of the trade that require strong math and language skills. As we know, bricklaying involves precise measurements, calculations, and an understanding of technical drawings, while clear communication and writing are essential for effective teamwork and documentation. These areas could have been stumbling blocks for many, but instead of shying away from them, Shaun confronted them head-on.
Despite initial struggles, Shaun demonstrated resilience and determination. He sought extra support, attended additional workshops, and took the time to practice and refine his skills. Through a combination of self-discipline and a positive attitude, he turned these challenges into strengths. His ability to work with complex mathematical formulas, calculate areas, and translate measurements into practical application on-site has significantly improved over time. In fact, he is now one of the most reliable apprentices when it comes to precise measurements and ensuring the quality of work is consistent.
Furthermore, Shaun made significant progress in developing his English skills, which has positively impacted his communication with the team. He has gone above and beyond to ensure that written reports, job documentation, and safety checks are completed thoroughly and with attention to detail. His improvement in both reading and writing has allowed him to express himself more clearly and effectively in the workplace.
What sets Shaun apart is not only his technical ability as a bricklayer but his attitude towards continuous self-improvement. He has proven that with dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn, no challenge is insurmountable. Shaun embodies the true spirit of an apprentice—taking ownership of his learning journey, seeking help when needed, and demonstrating significant progress along the way.
In conclusion, I am proud to nominate Shaun for this award in recognition of his outstanding achievement in overcoming challenges and excelling in both his technical skills and personal development. He has shown that with perseverance, any obstacle can be overcome, and I have no doubt that Shaun will continue to excel in his career as a bricklayer.
Sophie Shah has been a stand out apprentice from the day she has started. Her understanding in the automotive sector is fantastic and if there is something she is unsure of she is never afraid to ask. She is dedicated to learning new things and she is on the right path on becoming a fantastic technician. Her work in centre and the write ups she does for college are exceptional she puts so much effort into the detail of the work she is completing. Keep up the great work Sophie.
I would like to nominate Summer Kirkby for this award and have had her in my mind to nominate for this award for months! Throughout her apprenticeship, she has demonstrated an outstanding level of dedication, passion, and professionalism that sets her apart as an emerging talent in the hairdressing industry.
At the beginning of her apprenticeship I did think I was going to struggle to engage Summer, she came with a side of sass and attitude, we do laugh about this now because she proved me completely wrong and started to approach every learning opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. The knowledge aspects of the apprenticeship was an area of focus for Summer, she puts a lot of effort in and spent endless amounts of time completing extra home study to ensure she had strong retention and passes her exams, this has been evident with her results and progress. There have also been occasions where she has been set practical challenges, such as applying foils, that at the beginning she absolutely hated…but now… after applying herself and acting on feedback she has hugely improved and now loves providing this service and to look at her foiling you’d think she’d been doing it for years! The passion and dedication she has shown throughout her apprenticeship has been inspiring.
What makes her exceptional is not only her technical progress, but her personal growth. Over the course of her training, she has developed impressive confidence, resilience, and independence. She has grown into someone who takes initiative, supports her team, both at college and in salon, and brings a positive energy to the salon every day. Her ability to connect with clients, listen carefully, and deliver results that exceed expectations reflects a maturity far beyond her experience. Her apprenticeship journey has been one of continuous improvement, hard work, and a wanting to succeed. She embodies the qualities of an outstanding apprentice… motivated, tenacious, reliable, and passionate about her future in hairdressing and I have no doubt she will continue to thrive and inspire throughout her career.
Vanessa is the type learner that makes a tutor realise it was worth it. Vanessa is a slightly older apprentice and already had a career in the care sector before becoming a decorating apprentice. Vanessa was not at all happy with the work she was doing and made a conscious decision to change her own direction and destiny. This was a big gamble for Vanessa as she had a mortgage to pay and all associated living costs. Vanessa observed a vacancy on the college website for an apprentice decorator and applied for it herself. Vanessa was successful at interview and started her apprenticeship in early 2024 with the support of her company. Vanessa was (and I am sure she wont mind me saying) extremely withdrawn and shy and constantly felt out of her depth. I have visited Vanessa on site with her mentor and this still was a barrier to her being able to express herself and show her abilities and at times appeared this was not going to work. However through hard work and a belief in herself and I believe in her tutor Vanessa has become a really competent decorator and a valued member of her company. There were some bumps along the way from all parties but through communication, honesty and a sheer determination from Vanessa to succeed, she has worked towards her end point assessment. Vanessa submitted work on time, completed excellent job write ups and completed all company training as required. Vanessa and I have had some excellent work related conversations about the trade and her development and personal growth and it has been an absolute pleasure to have been part of her development. I am proud of what she has achieved, considering when she started she wouldn’t really make eye contact. Her mentor Tom should also get a special mention as he has supported Vanessa since day one and has worked consistently with her everyday throughout her apprenticeship. These are just a few of the reasons why I feel Vanessa should be apprentice of the year for construction.