A NEWNHAM nursery apprentice has been named Early Years ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at a prestigious national apprenticeship award ceremony.

Emily Rudge, who works for Tinies day nursery, received the award as part of the fifth annual lifetime learner achievement awards, which were hosted by Bristol-based apprenticeship training provider Lifetime Training.

Emily was interviewed by a panel of industry judges before being treated to lunch on a River Thames cruise and the awards ceremony at the Tower of London.

The awards recognise, reward and celebrate the personal successes and resulting career development of individuals who have completed an apprenticeship qualification with the training provider.

The 19-year-old said: “I didn’t think I’d make it through the apprenticeship, never mind being here today. I have proved to myself that I can do anything I set out to achieve. I am proud of myself for coping with my massive change of life and for completing most of my work ahead of deadline. I couldn’t have asked for a better assessor than Heather Tatum who helped me thrive as a learner.”

Emily found school and her A-Levels difficult. She struggled through depression and an eating disorder, which resulted in low self-esteem. She has ‘battled through’ and is now able to say she is proud of herself.