The BBC was live at Loughborough College today for the launch of National Apprenticeship Week 2017 as student, gold medalist and MBE Sophie Hahn shared tales from Rio – and Buckingham Palace.
BBC Radio Leicester heard how the 19 year old Paralympian was inspiring apprentices across the College, where she studies alongside training and competing as an elite athlete.
Sophie, one of 32 athletes from Loughborough College who competed in Brazil last summer and brought home 14 medals, told presenter Helen McCarthy about being awarded an MBE for services to athletics: “I was at Buckingham Palace last week and Prince William awarded me my medal. I was there with my family, it was an incredible day. “
Helen asked how Sophie fitted in her studies while she was training to be one of the best athletes in the world. “Loughborough College is brilliant. The staff and students are so supportive. That allows me to train as an elite athlete and compete as well as complete my course.”
Amy Relf, who studies on the Women’s RFU AASE programme, was also on hand to share her experiences of the opportunities a sports apprenticeship had offered her at Loughborough College.
Amy, who is an England U20’s trialist and was selected for the England U18 National Talent Development Group, explained: “It is competitive to get in here for the RFU apprenticeship. Around 60 trialled recently and only 10 were selected. I get to train and play and off the pitch I learn about psychology, nutrition and finance – which are all important for my sport and in developing my future.”
Gemma Knott, Director of Business Development at Loughborough College, added: “Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to earn and learn and we work closely with more than 800 employers across the region, jointly designing the apprenticeship that meets their needs.”
BBC Radio’s interviews with Sophie, Amy and Gemma for the launch of National Apprenticeship Week at Loughborough College can be heard 2.38:30 into the show here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04sztj1#play
Pictured: (left to right) Loughborough College's Sophie Hahn and Amy Relf with BBC Radio's Helen McCarthy