A Tewkesbury apprentice has been recognised with an award by national trade body, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF).

Bethany Collins, acting assistant manager at the Tewkesbury branch of Building & Plumbing Supplies Ltd (BPS) was named BMF Apprentice of the Year 2023 Level 3 at the BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards.

Former Olympic swimmer, Mark Foster, hosted the event and presented Bethany with the Apprentice of the Year 2023 Level 3 Award, which was sponsored by the Brick Development Association.

Bethany has worked at BPS for nine years, initially on Saturdays when she was at school and then during summer and Christmas breaks while at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

She embarked on a BMF Apprenticeship Plus programme, provided by LEAP, to enhance her sector-specific skills and lay a solid foundation for a career in building materials supply.

Bethany Collins, who graduated with a BA (Hons) and a Masters in Medieval Studies thanked BPS, which is headquartered in Warwick, for their support through all stages of her education.

She said: "BPS supported me throughout my university years and then enticed me into a full-time role with the promise of further education in the form of an apprenticeship.

"It's a brilliant sector to have found a home in and I'm already excited for what the next stage of my development will be.

"Winning BMF Level 3 Apprentice of the Year has been the icing on the cake - being recognised for my progress by the BMF and able to celebrate with my colleagues has proved that hard work does pay off and I am so grateful for the recognition of my achievements and the amazing support I received.

"It is reassuring to see the BMF encouraging and celebrating businesses who are investing in staff development and bridging the gap between education and the industry.

"It's so great to have the support of the BMF. I won a £750 voucher towards BMF training with my award - I've already spent some of it and got dates for future training in my diary."

Held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham, the BMF's Annual Members Conference and Awards recognises the achievements of individuals and businesses within the builders' merchants' industry.

John Newcomb, CEO of BMF, said: "Congratulations to Bethany on the commitment to learning and hard work that is recognised with this award.

"BMF membership encompasses the entire building materials distribution industry, and our Annual Conference and Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of suppliers, service members and individuals across the sector."