At BusinessLive we love hearing about people who are taking the first steps into a new career, whatever their age.
And for National Apprenticeship Week, we thought we'd take a look at some of the young people who have impressed judges with their hard work and commitment.
And at the awards events we ran across the country over the past 12 months, we honoured apprentices who are making a real difference to their businesses and their communities.
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From bathroom installation to digital marketing, these apprentices are making great strides in their chosen careers.
Here, we look back at some of the apprentices that have impressed our judges in the past 12 months.
Coventry - Zara Sadler
Winner of Apprentice of the Year, CoventryLive and WarwickshireLive Business Awards 2022
Zara has worked with Platinum Bathrooms in Coventry since September of 2021 and is working towards a city & guilds multi-skilled qualification.
Judges were impressed with how seriously she has taken her role from day one. She volunteered with Platinum for several weekends before taking the apprentice role - to get a sense of the industry and ensure she was well-prepared.
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Zara has proved immensely capable, quickly moving beyond on-site training to work independently - taking part in more than a dozen renovation projects in the last year.
She has demonstrated an outstanding enthusiasm and commitment throughout her time with Platinum - building her confidence and passing her first course with flying colours.
Hull - Sam Amess
Winner of Apprentice of the Year,
Sam joined marketing agency Diony after sixth form, coming on board as a digital marketing apprentice in the SEO department.
Since day one, Sam’s positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile have made him an invaluable member of the team.
Within his first 12 months, Sam showed himself capable of taking on some extremely technical and challenging work, and contributed to a range of important projects - with clients including Beverley Racecourse, Melton Stone, Allenby Commercial and Rollits.
Sam’s excellence carries into his apprenticeship work, where he is one of the highest achievers in his cohort.
Humber - Jacob Jones
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Winner of Apprentice of the Year, Humber Renewables Awards
Jacob was jointly nominated by his workplace, Pure Renewables and apprenticeship provider East Riding College - where he has picked up an Outstanding Contribution accolade.
From once being reluctant to answer a phone, he now runs project assessments, hosting client calls confidently.
Judges were impressed by his ability to adapt, having had the challenge of working from home at the start of his career due to the Covid pandemic.
As the first apprentice in the department, he has also produce a guide for those who follow.
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South West - Ellie-May Mangan
Winner of Apprentice of the Year, Western Morning News Business Awards
Undertaking a multi-trade apprenticeship with housing provider LiveWest, Ellie-May Mangan impressed judges with her highly motivated approach to her work. With a constant willingness to learn, Ellie-May has honed her skills to a high degree - carrying out a range of projects and learning every day.
Ellie-May is also an outstanding ambassador for apprentices - taking part in LiveWest’s Trade Forum, which presents the ideas and experiences of apprentices to the director of people services.
Ellie-May has continued this work outside LiveWest - speaking at a variety of events with the aim of inspiring other women to join the trades workforce.
South West - Jo Huntley
Winner, Apprentice of the Year, GloucestershireLive Apprenticeship Awards
Jo began her trainee nursing associate apprenticeship in 2020 with Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust - and before long her passion and talent for the role became clear.
Going above and beyond to make sure that patients feel supported and looked after, Jo is able to build trusting relationships and provide impeccable care.
Her enthusiasm and compassion also provide a much needed boost to her own team, keeping spirits up even during a difficult time like the pandemic. Coupled with her talent and passion for the work, Jo is sure to be an outstanding nurse.
West Midlands - Summar Wilkes
Winner of Apprentice of the Year and Health, Education and Care and Apprentice of the Year at the Greater Birmingham Apprenticeship Awards 2022
Summar Wilkes is a young dental nurse who was crowned Apprentice of the Year at the Greater Birmingham Apprenticeship Awards in November.
She works at Smile Style Dental Care Centre in Stafford where she is also studying for a dental nursing apprenticeship and took home the Health, Education and Care category before being picked ahead of the five other individual winners to be crowned overall Apprentice of the Year.
The 18 year old impressed judges with the way she had managed her diary to continue her work and studies alongside being a home carer for her mother.
The panel said she showed exceptional maturity for someone so young and she was a credit to her employer.
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