An inspirational mum from Sheffield won a top award at an annual awards ceremony.
Holly Speight, 32, secured the National Apprentice of the Year award during an event held in Bury St Edmunds.
The occasion was the Eastern Education Group annual apprenticeship awards that took place in Edmunds Restaurant.
Holly – who is on a Science Manufacturing Technical apprenticeship whilst working for Sheffield Teaching Hospital at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital – said: “Upon finding out that I had received the award for National Apprentice of the Year, I was both surprised and elated. After tackling a few obstacles throughout the course of my study, I was over the moon.
“My tutors have been so great throughout the entirety of my course and have helped support me through both times of great difficulty at home as well as in moments of self-doubt. At one of my lowest points, the course lead, Amy Laflin, even came out to visit me at my workplace to discuss the concerns I had raised. She reassured me massively and the difference in my outlook toward the course and my capabilities seemed to change overnight.
“Being currently 21 weeks pregnant, my primary focus right now is simply to enjoy the next step in my little family’s growth. I do however plan to look toward progression within my current workplace, with the next step being to apply for a Band 4 to 5 progressional post as
On receiving the award she said: I had such a sense of pride for all that I have achieved for both myself and my family.”
Dr Nikos Savvas, the CEO of Eastern Education Group gave Holly 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 Holly – and indeed all of our award winners.”
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. Laura is studying a Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship alongside her role as a Service Improvement Manager at Cambridge City Council. After hearing the news, Laura said she: “was absolutely over the moon.”
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
