Carly Adams has been named Advanced Apprentice of the Year 2017 – in the same week Loughborough College announced it had been rated Outstanding for apprenticeships by education watchdog Ofsted.
The BBC’s Geeta Pendse hosted this year’s Graduation Ceremony and Carly was joined by 18 fellow apprentices from the College at the Leicester City Council Apprenticeship Hub event, which recognises the achievements of apprentices in business and industry from across the county.
“I had already been shaking from going onto the stage to collect my graduation scroll, terrified that I would trip up or that my hat would fall off. Then they started to introduce the Advanced Apprenticeship Award I slowly realised that they were talking about me – and I started shaking all over again,” said Carly.
“I was so nervous that I actually can’t remember anything about going up on stage again. It really is a blur. Luckily my partner filmed it so I was able to appreciate it later on. But I still can’t believe it when I see my name on a big screen and everyone clapping – I never thought I would be in a position to graduate from anything so to then win this award … I think, did I really do that?
“I have four children, one with special needs, and when I reached a point where I felt I could work outside the home again it was suggested I apply for apprenticeships.
“I used to work for the civil service but the training I received was in house, so when I left to raise my family I had no recognized qualifications.
“At 37 I admit I wasn’t hopeful but then I was offered three different apprenticeships in a week – and went for Loughborough College.
“It was not easy to fit work and studying around all my commitments at home but I got so much support from the College and in the space of a year I had completed my Level 3 in Advanced Business Administration and was offered a job – and a year after that I have been promoted to Business Process Coordinator.
“Next up are qualifications in Leadership and Management. I still can’t believe how far I have come – and a real bonus is that my children have seen me go through the hard work and come out with something of value and that has really inspired them. They say I am their role model.
“My 17 year old son Harry has actually now chosen to do an apprenticeship, in supported teaching and learning. University isn’t for everyone but this way he can gain valuable experience alongside qualifications and, who knows, he might then choose it as a pathway into a teaching degree.”
Loughborough College 2017 apprenticeship graduates: Carly Adams; Shannon Bannister; Liam Brookes; Charlotte Carlin; Daniel Chapman; Danielle Clapich,; Bryony Clark; Ashleight Day; Michael D’Souza; Sophie Kirtley; Andrew Mann; Benjamin Maughan; Tayla McKeown; Andrew Mottershead; Laura Price; Holly Spence; Jordan Watson; Cara Winsor; Louisa Zarmaeva
Pictured: Loughborough College’s Carly Adams is presented with her Advanced Apprentice of the Year award by Verity Hancock, principal of Leicester College, who sponsored the award