Former Apprentice Wins National Apprentice of the Year
A Weston College former Apprentice and winner of the Principal’s Outstanding Achievement Award has become UK National Apprentice of the Year.
Emma Rogers, 20, was also the College’s Apprentice of the Year in 2010 and the young mum, who is profoundly dyslexic, has opened her own shop – Beauty by Emma in Wedmore.
Emma, of Nyland, Cheddar, said: “I was so shocked and happy when I was told I’d won National Apprentice of the Year; it’s the best award yet.
“Every time I win something it’s a great surprise but inspires me to go on to the next thing.
“Studying at Weston College has been an amazing journey for me and it’s one I am keen to share to help support other young people find their path in life.” Emma will receive her Adult Learners’ Week Apprentice of the Year certificate at a lunch in London’s Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre on May 20th.
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education is set to host the event.
Emma is also set to go to a Parliamentary reception on Thursday, May 16 at Westminster hosted by the All Party Group for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning chaired by MP’s Kelvin Hopkins, Robert Halfon and Stephen Lloyd.
Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips OBE, said: “This is an amazing achievement for Emma which she rightly deserves.
“All our students are special to us. With 30,000 enrolments, 30 A Levels, more than 100 vocational courses, 50 Apprenticeships and an expected turnover next year of nearly £45 million - we are the best in the West.”
Emma started her Apprenticeship in April 2010 but left in December to have her son Charlie-James. When he was just three months old she returned to win Gold in her first UK WorldSkills heat. Emma went on to win two WorldSkills rounds and then gold at the National Final. As top beautician in the UK she trained to represent the United Kingdom in Germany.
WorldSkills is the largest unique biannual global competition involving almost 1,000 apprentices and students, aged 18 to 24 in 46 skill areas. Around 5,500 young people compete for a place in the British squad made up of world-class vocational competitors in skills including mobile robotics, graphic design, carpentry, catering and mechanics. At the same time she completed her Level 2 and progressed to Level 3 beauty therapy and took care of Charlie-James who is now two years old.
Emma said: “I struggled at school because I’m dyslexic but I was happy to find what I was good at. I have to force myself to deal with paperwork for my business but do it.
“I didn’t expect to be a mum so young but having Charlie-James inspired me to get on and make the most of my life. His dad is very supportive, as are both our families”.
“My business is successful and it’s thanks to the training, support and vision I received at Weston College.”
Emma was nominated by her tutor, Head of Apprentices in Beauty, Hair, Barbering and Nails, Tanita Veal.
Tanita added: “Every now and then someone crosses your path who is truly exceptional. Emma is like a breath of fresh air.
“She’s displayed drive, passion, enthusiasm and total dedication to her apprenticeship, training and learning.
“We supported her dyslexia and Emma has overcome this and proved it isn’t a barrier to learning. She is an amazing person with courage, focus and commitment.”
If you've been inspired by Emma's story and would like to find out more about the Apprenticeships we offer, visit our Apprenticeship section.
