Stephanie said:
“Thank you to everyone involved in the EEF awards, I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part and getting to where I am today. I think it is fantastic that apprenticeships are being recognized and praised more frequently.
Personally I feel I have gained a lot from the EEF awards, I must admit I have had mixed emotions since filling out the initial forms for entering the regional round with my TDR coordinator Dion Bowes. Going through the interview stage was nerve racking and a feeling I had not experienced previously, however I loved every second of it. From the regional round where I was announced the winner, it took a while to sink in, but once it did I felt overwhelmed that the work I carried out within my apprenticeship had set me up for a bright future in Engineering...then remembering I had to go through another interview stage, this time for the national apprentice of the year, I felt more confident than I did before as I was pleased with what I had already achieved.
Since coming runner up in the National round, I feel delighted that I can go on to work harder and achieve more now that my apprenticeship is complete.
In a time period where there are consistently talks of job losses and cuts in Engineering, I believe that between businesses, TDR and the EEF there will be a way forward for young people, like myself to find a way into Engineering.
Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank BAE Systems for providing me with the resource that has enabled me to achieve the awards and TDR Training for providing the necessary criteria, guidance and inspiration.
I would highly recommend an apprenticeship in Engineering as there is real life work to get involved in and the chance for higher education to be taken…what could be better!”