Julie is national apprentice of the year!
28 Nov 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland apprentice Julie Mills became an Apprentice of the Year at last night’s annual National Apprenticeship Awards.
There are three top categories and Julie, from Ashington, won The NOCN Group Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year 2019.
Julie is employed by Northumberland Community Bank and has been taking an apprenticeship in customer services through Northumberland County Council’s learning and skills service.
The National Apprenticeship Awards showcase the diverse and growing range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships, whilst celebrating the achievements of outstanding apprentices, apprentice employers and individuals to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and champion apprenticeships across England.
The awards are open to apprentices, individuals who promote apprenticeships and employers of all sizes from all sectors.
Julie’s award, the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, is for those who are working towards, or have completed, NVQ Level 2 qualifications.
Julie won the regional intermediate award after being shortlisted from thousands of nominees across the North East, and has now gone on to compete on a national stage to become the UK’s best in her category.
Speaking after receiving her award, Julie said: “I feel as if I am dreaming. I never thought I could achieve anything like this. Being an apprentice has changed my life but to be crowned the national winner is just amazing.”
Lauren Langton, chief executive of Northumberland Community Bank added: “We are very proud of Julie’s achievements and this national award, the first of its type for the North East. It is a fitting tribute to Julie and the whole community bank team.”
Cath McEvoy-Carr, executive director of adult social care and children's services at Northumberland County Council said: “This is absolutely brilliant news, and I would like to add my most sincere congratulations.
“For Julie to compete with all other apprentices in this category not only in the North East region but now across the whole of the UK, is absolutely astounding. It is a huge testament to her and all of the team who have supported her.
“This is an excellent example of some of the fantastic success stories we have from the council’s apprenticeship programme, and the fact that Julie has now moved on to the full-time role at the community bank has been the icing on the cake.”
Northumberland County Council’s learning and skills service in an approved apprenticeship training organisation and can support all stages of apprenticeships, from recruitment right through to celebrating an apprentice’s success in this way.
Find out more about apprenticeships in Northumberland at www.northumberland.gov.uk/apprenticeships or call 01670 622104