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Prestigious award for University degree apprentice

An apprentice studying for the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at the University has won the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Financial and Business Services) award at the Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2019 held last night (7 March) at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Jessica Palmer was sent by her employer, Superdry, to join the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) which has allowed her to work towards gaining a degree qualification at University, whilst developing her leadership and management skills at work. Superdry also won the Large Employer of the Year category at last night’s awards.

The University’s CMDA programme is accredited by industry leader the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), meaning learners receive the double benefit of achieving a full degree and accreditation from their industry body. The CMDA is part of a wider apprenticeship programme available from the University which has been developed in partnership with industry and business bodies to meet their skills needs.

Simon Amesbury, Resourcing & Apprenticeships Manager at Superdry, said:

“Superdry is extremely proud to win the Large Employer of the Year at the Gloucestershire Live Apprenticeship Awards 2019, and even more proud of our University Apprentice Jess Palmer winning the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for the financial and Business Services category. We are really pleased to partner with the University for our flagship Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, it’s a well taught, complex and challenging course that is giving our learners a chance to really develop their knowledge, capability and skills, which will add huge value to our business for years to come”.

Jessica Palmer, Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice at Superdry, said:

“My experience at the University has been great! It’s been really hard work, and I have learnt a lot about how to balance my work, University and social life, but it will definitely be worth it in the end. There is such a variety, and learning about different principles and areas that lie within a business will help me in my role and my future career.”

Dr Polly Pick, Director of Business Engagement and Partnership at the University, said:

“It is fantastic to see Jessica’s hard work and achievements recognised in this way. We know that for employers, leadership is an important skills area for business growth. The University is committed to supporting growth and job creation in the county and apprenticeships are very much part of this wider economic picture.

“Jessica’s award represents a further endorsement of the value of our degree apprenticeship programme for businesses as an important step towards ensuring they are able to develop their talent.”

The Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate young people who succeed through the apprenticeship scheme and are a chance to give outstanding apprentices recognition for their hard-earned achievements.