Social care apprentice named best in the country
Ellie Burke has made headlines after she was named Apprentice of the Year despite her struggles with alopecia and caring for her brother with Down’s Syndrome.
‘When winning the award, I felt very shocked and surprised, but I felt honoured to have won it nationally,’ Ellie told Social Care Today. ‘It was great that when I received the award, everyone who has helped me get to where I am today was there. Those from the Princes Trust where it all began, Roxanne my tutor from Rochdale Training, the staff at Gateway Leisure and of course the service users. Because they are who it is all about and who it is all for. I would like to thank everyone for their support because I would not be here winning this without it.’
Rochdale-born Ellie Burke was named Apprentice of the Year as part of NCFE’s Aspiration Awards. She began a career in care after she found a love for it when looking after her brother with Down’s Syndrome. From this she embarked on a 12-week course with the Prince’s Trust, and she then secured an opportunity with Rochdale Training.
Since beginning her Level 2 Health and Social Care apprenticeship her teachers have had nothing but positive things to say about her progress. Trainers have claimed her confidence has skyrocketed academically and personally, completing numerous additional qualifications. Her commitment to personal development is evident, even tackling her difficulties with maths by requesting extra lessons and dedicating weekends and evenings.
Roxanne Sharp, Health and Social Care Tutor at Rochdale Training, said: ‘Ellie is one of the best apprentices I’ve ever met. Ellie has been on a tough journey over the previous few years, but she’s been determined to progress. She’s stayed focused on the future and her dream of pursuing a career path to help others in the health and social care sector.’
As well as conquering academic obstacles, Ellie has also been flourishing beyond the classroom. She works with people with mental and physical healthcare needs at Gateway Leisure in Rochdale and supports service users on day trips and helps engage them in new activities like Zumba.
Ellie has rapidly progressed through the apprenticeship, taking on lead roles within six months and maintaining 100% attendance.
Stating that there is no-one more deserving of the award, David Gallagher, chief executive of NCFE, said: ‘Ellie is a remarkable apprentice who is making a positive difference to service users within her role, despite facing challenges in her own journey. NCFE is delighted to present Ellie with this award.’
NCFE is celebrating its 175th anniversary and is the oldest awarding organisation in the UK, recognised for providing vocational and technical educational products and services aligned to the needs of learners, educators and employers. Alongside Ellie Burke’s triumph, you can view a full list of all the awards winners here.
Images: Ellie Burke
