Awesome apprentices

It was a double win for Warwick at the Coventry Freemen's Guild Apprentice of the Year Awards last month. Beth Russell - a Graduate Management Trainee from the Executive Office - scored the title of Apprentice of the Year, while the University was awarded Apprentice Employer of the Year (Large Organisation Category).

Beth's achievements

Beth was recognised for her different skills at work - from her ability to spot inequalities and drive to champion inclusivity, through to her event management know-how.

Her manager and peers praised her for her work on Warwick's Resonate Festival and a Year 9-focused 'Girls in STEM' event.

Beth said:

"I’m thrilled to have been awarded Apprentice of the Year by the Coventry Freemen’s Guild, it is surreal and exciting! I’m grateful to everyone involved in organising University of Warwick Graduate Scheme, especially my manager Claire Nicholls, for creating amazing opportunities for the five of us over the last two years.

I’ve had incredible experiences on placements in the Institute of Engagement, a local small business, Widening Participation, and now in the Creative Learning team at the Warwick Arts Centre. I hope to secure a position at Warwick at the end of the scheme so that I can continue to be a part of the positive and impactful work taking place every day at the University."

Claire Nicholls, Early Careers & Apprenticeships Business Partner, said:

"We are very proud of Beth winning the Apprentice of the Year Award. Beth is an exceptional apprentice and it's great to see her being recognised for the impact she has made. Inclusiveness is a golden thread which runs through everything that Beth does, from her communication and actions through to her project work.

She can spot the inequality that may be present and find practical and very possible solutions to ensure opportunity for all. It can be scary to speak up and communicate these inequalities, Beth does this in a way that does not offend others and offers up very simple changes to make something inclusive."