A former apprentice and now current employee of Havant & South Downs College has been nominated as ‘Apprentice of the Year’ for The News Business Excellence Awards 2018.
Chloe Hutchins began an Apprenticeship at HSDC in 2016, and after working in a few different departments she found her feet in the Business Development Team, helping other apprentices like herself discover their potential.
After completing her Apprenticeship in October last year, Chloe was offered a full-time permanent position as Business Development Administrator, where she organises key events like the Business Breakfast and helps with National Apprenticeship Week.
Speaking about her nomination, Chloe said: “I had heard about the awards prior to being nominated because we held the launch at HSDC, but at no point did I think I would be involved in it.
“I was shocked when I found out, I did not think I would have been chosen!”
But it was Chloe’s determination and hard work that proved to be key to her nomination.
She continued: “I have been told that I had shown a lot of commitment throughout my Apprenticeship and that I was always willing to go the extra mile. Even before I learned how to drive I always managed to find a way to get in for the Business Breakfasts and other events.
“What I found really good about my Apprenticeship at HSDC is that I started with student finance support, but I had the opportunity to try out a ‘carousel Apprenticeship’. This meant I had the chance to work with different departments within the College.
“Once I started working in Business Support I found that I really enjoyed it and talking to apprentices was brilliant because I had experience with what they were going through.
“For people considering taking on an Apprenticeship – I would say go for it, it is a big commitment, but it can open a lot of doors for you.”
The awards evening takes place on 23 February at the Portsmouth Guildhall.
For more information on Apprenticeships at HSDC, click here.