Brooke Dickinson, 25, from Mansfield is studying on a level three pharmacy apprenticeship. The Sherwood Forest Trust employee said: “I completed my GCSEs, then did a travel and tourism qualification at college and 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 and here I am.
“I looked in to university but came to the realisation 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 whilst 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 really have to think on your feet.
“When I found out the news that 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 it has also given me the confidence to believe in myself and it has helped me realise that I am doing a good job.”