Marc Sparling, 31, from Holland on Sea won the business and management apprentice of the year.
Marc Sparling, 31, from Holland on Sea won the business and management apprentice of the year.
The assistant depot manager for Hughes Electrical has worked at this company for eleven years.
After GCSE’s, he gained a position on the shop floor at Hughes and has gradually worked his way up through the business.
After almost a decade away from education, it was ‘a shock to the system’ starting again.
Marc said: “I didn’t achieve when I was younger as I wasn’t committed and couldn’t see an end goal. With this apprenticeship, I could feel myself learning and improving and I was able to use my new knowledge practically.
“It has been tough but I’ve enjoyed the challenge.
“College wise, my tutor has been my shining light and she told me the news (that I’d won this award). I was ecstatic and overjoyed. It’s real recognition for the hard work.
“Doing this (apprenticeship) has given me my self-confidence back. To others who have been out of education I’d say that although the self-doubt may hit you hard, just jump into it, do what you need to do and it might change your life.
“It’s definitely change my life (for the better). This apprenticeship gave me a focus, it taught me self-awareness and made me think about the future more positively.
“I definitely have got the bug and this will push me to get involved in more courses in the future. There is no end to it.
“In terms of the future, I feel I can effect change on a massive level and I’ve made it no secret that I want to achieve directorship in the business.
“I also want to help people to push themselves to be the best version of themselves and make a positive difference to others lives.”