‘Exceptional’ Themis Apprentice in finals of prestigious Apprenticeship Awards

Huge congratulations to our outstanding Themis Apprentice Nicola Donovan!

Nicola was on Campus to attend the regional finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2021 which were being held online.

Nicola, from Clitheroe, is an Apprentice at Whalley Pre-School and is training for her Early Years Practitioner Diploma with Themis at Burnley College.

To make the awards ceremony extra special, Nicola was joined by her husband, Andrew, and the Chairperson of Whalley Pre-School, Joanne Murphy.

The important ceremony was streamed live and saw Nicola praised for her dedication, her passion for education and the ways in which, alongside inspiring children in her care, she’s able to inspire her colleagues and employers, too.

“You couldn’t ask for a better environment to work in or colleagues to work alongside.
To be recognised for the work you do is both overwhelming and touching.”

Nicola Donovan

Themis Apprentice and National Apprenticeship Awards Nominee 2021

The National Apprenticeship Awards are now in their 18^th year and “recognise and reward the achievements of exceptional apprentices, apprentice champions and apprenticeship employers.”

“From the moment Nicola came in to talk to us I knew we’d found someone unique. She’s motivated with the desire to improve herself, but that’s matched equally with her passion for improving the pre-school. I’m so proud of her.”

Joanne Murphy

Chairperson at Whalley Pre-School

Her Trainer Assessor at Themis, Lindsay Wilkinson, says Nicola’s hard work means the nomination was truly deserved:

“Coming back into training isn’t always an easy decision but Nicola has embraced this challenge. Nicola is positive and hardworking and a dedicated member of staff at Whalley Pre-School. To see her confidence grow throughout her Apprenticeship journey as she takes up her dream career as an Early Years Practitioner is truly inspiring. Well done! “

We wish Nicola every success in her future career as an Early Years Educator, and Themis will support her at every step of her journey.

Find out more about our industry-leading apprenticeships at https://burnley.ac.uk/themis-home/