Guests gathered at Gloucestershire College yesterday (January 25) to celebrate an apprentice who won a national award.

Amy Brown, 26, a carpentry apprentice, was named the Amazon Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at The Apprenticeship National Awards 2023.

Richard Graham MP for Gloucester and her employers, Tombs Developments, were among the guests celebrating Amy's achievements at the college's Gloucester campus.

Amy had always liked the idea of carpentry, but did A Levels, before moving into a range of jobs which didn't make her happy. At the age of 24, she took the plunge and decided to become an apprentice with Gloucestershire College and Cheltenham-based Tombs Developments.

Amy said: "I worked in countless office jobs and felt deflated that I might not find my calling in life.

"Then Tombs Developments employed me. It's been about 18 months and it's been a bit of a whirlwind. The company don't just do carpentry, they're general builders, so I'm learning so much about all aspects of construction.

"At first, I was nervous, being a female in construction, but everyone I've spoken to has been lovely and very supportive."

Since starting her apprenticeship, Amy has realised how important it is for girls to see women working in construction.

She continued: "I've come to the realisation that I was never in a situation where I wsn't represented before now. Now I understand the importance of representation. If I'd seen a female in construction when I was younger, I'd probably have taken the leap sooner. If I can maybe inspire one other female to go for it, that would be amazing."

Amy's employers have nothing but praise for her and felt she thoroughly deserved her award.

Dominic Cook, director of Tombs Developments, said: "Amy is one in a million without a doubt and we were very lucky to get her. She came to us a bit later in life than most apprentices.

"It's what she wanted to do from school, but she didn't feel like she was able to at the time. She ended up in a job she didn't enjoy and bravely decided at 24 'enough is enough'.

"Unusually in a world where it's mostly men, she stood out. I knew straightaway Amy would be a great addition to our team. She has worked diligently and is a huge asset to our team.

"All of her success is basically down to her own hard work, her ambition, her drive to succeed and a passion for carpentry."

Speaking to Punchline-Gloucester.com at the event, Julie Tegg, director of employer training and apprenticeships at the college, said: "Across the three campuses, we have just over 1,700 apprentices in learning - ranging from construction trades, through to dental and business services, as well as IT and cyber. There are 49 different programmes, from Level 2 entry programmes, right up to degree level.

"An apprenticeship has transferable skills. You will learn about communication and leadership, and it will lead on to lots of other things.

"If apprentices are studying at degree level, they don't have any university fees, the employer or the government will fund all of the apprenticeship programmes."

Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, is a big supporter of apprenticeships.

He said: "Apprenticeships are vital for the future of skills so many young people are going to need in the future. I have had my own apprentices through Glos Col over the last 12 or 13 years.

"There has been a big increase in the numbers of apprenticeships in Gloucester over the last few years - in the service sector, as well as trades. You can earn while you learn and that's as true for new the cyber degree apprenticeships as it is for trades.

"With an apprenticeship, you have the opportunity to learn pretty much any trade or skill needed for the future."

Punchline-Gloucester.com said: "Congratulations to Amy for your fantastic achievements. Congratulations too to Gloucestershire College and Tombs Developments. Working together, they have shown that apprenticeships are fantastic for businesses and young people alike."