Lucy Parsons - Award Winning Apprentice
One of our fantastic apprentices, Lucy Parsons, has won the 'Rising Star' award at Oxlep Apprenticeships awards 2023.
How do you feel after receiving the award?
I feel very privileged and honoured to have even be nominated and in the final for the Rising Star Award as well as winning it! Winning the award means a lot to me as I take pride in my work and it feels good to be recognised for this. I am proud to say that I was representing the University of Oxford at the awards and I am overwhelmed to have won the award. I am glad that my hard work has paid off and I am looking forward to continuing my development within The University of Oxford. I am also very proud of everything I have achieved so far and look forward to the future here at the University.
What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?
I would recommend doing an apprenticeship the idea of earning whilst your learning really appealed to me instead of going to University. While doing an apprenticeship, you can network with other apprentices who may be doing a similar apprenticeship to you! You will get valuable on the job experience which will give you the qualities you need to succeed. You still get the qualification without paying all the tuition fees that come with going to University. It has boosted my confidence, time management and presentation skills which I will be able to use throughout my career. An apprenticeship can also boost your career prospects as you will gain the relevant and key skills needed.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank Rebecca Giles and Amanda Barnett for nominating me for this award as well as all the colleagues in the Payments team who supported me during my 6 months in the team, which allowed me to show my skills. The apprenticeships team are always supportive of the apprentices and have helped me during my apprenticeship. I would also like to thank Rebecca Waterman as we meet up weekly so she can support me and further my development. As well as staff within the University, I would like to thank Adrian at Abingdon and Witney College but also my parents for their ongoing commitment and support.
