ALICE IS WOMEN IN BUSINESS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR FOR LEICESTERSHIRE

Former North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (@nwslc_official) apprentice Alice Deeping has been named as Apprentice of the Year in the Leicestershire Live Women in Business Awards. Alice was presented with her award on 9 September 2021 by TV’s Emma Jesson at a glittering ceremony at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.

Joining Leicester-based PR and marketing agency, Unsworth Sugden in February 2020, Alice had only one month to get to know new team members before lockdown required her to adapt to remote working. She impressed her employers with her enthusiasm, proactivity and professionalism and has now successfully achieved her diploma in business administration with distinction grades. Alice has now taken up a permanent position with Unsworth Sugden as a social media assistant.

Hannah Elwell, deputy managing director at Unsworth Sugden, noted that Alice brought a high level of instinctive professionalism to her role. She said,

“Welcoming Alice to the team was refreshing because she was always proactive from the start. She has demonstrated strong collaborative skills and the maturity she displayed gave me the confidence to include her in client meetings where she was able to make a valid and professional contribution.

“What has impressed me most about Alice is how she has been fully engaged in the success of the business right from the start. She remains alert to her contribution to the smooth-running of the whole team. Alice is thoughtful and responsive, displays high levels of empathy and is a fantastic team player.

“Through her approach to her role and engagement with her work objectives, Alice sets an example to her colleagues and is a great role model for the apprenticeship scheme. Her appointment has reminded me that the business benefits from a range of talent from diverse backgrounds, and the team is more rounded when it includes those taking their first professional steps, as well as those who may be changing careers or returning to work.”

Marion Plant, OBE FGCI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said,

“Congratulations to Alice on her remarkable achievement. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Alice has made a huge difference to her employer’s business and her story represents a wonderful example of the contribution that apprentices make across the region.

“I am incredibly proud of how the college has supported our talented apprentices to continue their skills development in difficult circumstances, adapting the way we operate so that our students were able to access the best possible experience of remote learning. We all wish Alice the very best for her future career success.”

On receiving her award, Alice said,

“It’s amazing that I have won this award and I am really delighted. I love my job and am passionate about what I do. I certainly wouldn’t be here without my apprenticeship and all the support from my college assessor who really helped me to improve my English skills.”