A County Durham resident from Consett who works in Newcastle has won a top prize at an annual awards ceremony.
Julie Curry, 42, is employed by the Newcastle NHS Trust Pharmacy Manufacturing Department.
And she has just scooped the Eastern Education Group’s Apprenticeship Mentor of the Year Award.
Julie received her accolade in Bury St Edmunds during the 2026 Eastern Education Group Apprenticeship Awards. Her colleagues Kimberley Williams and Kelsey Richardson also received a trophy.
Julie said: “I think it’s amazing (to win this award). I’m really proud of how our programme has benefited our students and team as a whole. It’s lovely to be recognised. I have an excellent and supportive team that I work with, so the award is for them as well as me.”
Speaking generally about the value of apprenticeships, Julie added: “The awards are taking place in National Apprenticeship Week so it is essential to spread the word about how valuable apprenticeships are within the workplace. My advice to others would be go for it, you won’t regret it.”
Julie received her award from Dr Nikos Savvas, the CEO of Eastern Education Group. 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 Julie – and indeed all of our award winners,” he added.
A total of eleven awards were dished out during this ceremony held in Edmunds Restaurant.
The overall winner was 44-year-old Laura Herrera-Martin, from Cambridge. 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
