Amy Laflin, Programme Lead - Pharmacy, Science & Dental (left), alongside Science and Dental Level 2 Apprentice of the Year Willow Upton (right).
Willow Upton, 19, from Brockdish in Norfolk won the science and dental level two apprentice of the year award.
She gained the accolade having completed a course whilst working for the Harleston Medical practice, her first job after studying A levels at school.
She chose to study this educational path as she liked the idea of ‘getting practical work based experience and learning, a career and a qualification I can take anywhere’.
The highlight of the programme meeting others on the same apprenticeship course as herself, getting to know an amazing team of colleagues at the place she works.
As to why others should consider studying an apprenticeship, Willow said: “It’s a great way to get a qualification, the combination of training with both the zoom sessions and on the job experience makes understanding and studying less challenging and more accessible to people with differing learning styles.”
In terms of winning the award, Willow said: “I was very excited (when I found out I’d won). I was at work and I rushed to my fellow dispensary colleagues to tell them. They were all very supportive and happy for me and it was nice to be able to share the accomplishment with them as they have all helped and supported me throughout my course. I think this award will help me in the future as I'll be able to put it on my CV for any new opportunities that I may wish to seek in the future.”
In terms of the future, Willow would like to study a level three apprenticeship ‘to help improve the advice and services I provide to the patients at my workplace’.