A Mansfield woman picked up a top award at a college ceremony that celebrated apprenticeships.

It was the third time that West Suffolk College hosted an awards ceremony aimed at championing those who have benefitted from apprenticeship learning.

A total of 12 awards were handed out and Brooke Dickinson received the science and pharmacy apprentice of the year accolade.

Brooke is studying on a level three pharmacy apprenticeship while working for the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust.

Brooke said: “I completed my GCSEs, then did a travel and tourism qualification at college.

“After gaining a Christmas job at Boots, I was given the opportunity of starting on a pharmacy programme. Then a job came up at the hospital (King’s Mill) and here I am.

“I looked into university, but came to realise that I couldn’t afford it. When the chance of starting an apprenticeship came up it was a win-win for me. I could progress and get a qualification while maintaining my income.

“I’m very busy running a home and looking after my dog, Mabel. It’s hard at times, but I’d say doing an apprenticeship is beneficial as you gain the real life experiences of work, you learn your clinical knowledge, and see things in person as they are happening. You have to think on your feet.

“When I found out I had won the award I was shocked. It gave me reassurance that I am making the right steps in my life; I’m making the right choices and doing something to progress myself.

“Winning has also given me the confidence to believe in myself and it has helped me realise that I am doing a good job.”

Dr Nikos Savvas, principal of the college in Bury St Edmunds,he Eastern Education Group, said: “We deliver apprenticeship training from Cornwall to Northumberland and from Merseyside down to Hampshire. We push the boundaries of delivery and want to not only succeed locally, but be a UK lead for education.”Congratulations to Brooke — and indeed all of our winners.”