Laura Herrera-Martin, 44, scooped the Apprentice of the Year award during the Eastern Education Group 2026 Apprenticeship Awards.
The occasion place in Edmunds Restaurant and Laura – who is studying a Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship alongside her role as Service Improvement Manager at Cambridge City Council won top honours.
In addition to this award, she also received the Apprenticeship Green Impact Award.
Laura said: “I’m over the moon.”
She also reflected on her apprenticeship experience: “It’s been a fantastic experience. I was worried at times, but the structure and organisation made things easier. Having my employer and tutor available gave me the assurance that I was heading in the right direction.The support has been excellent. My tutor was always there when I needed guidance, and that made a huge difference.”
Recommending apprenticeships to others, Laura said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to learn while working. They give you practical experience, confidence, and the ability to apply what you learn immediately.”
Dr Nikos Savvas, the CEO of Eastern Education Group gave Laura her award.
He said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a time to celebrate the life-changing impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and communities. We are proud to recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices across a wide range of industries, from construction, education and engineering to management, science, and healthcare.
“Massive congratulations to the inspirational Laura – and indeed all of our award winners.”
A total of eleven awards were dished out during this ceremony held in Edmunds Restaurant. The main sponsors of these awards were E Rand and Sons.
For more information about apprenticeships at West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group you can visit here: www.wsc.ac.uk/find-a-course/apprenticeships
