Lucie named apprentice of the year

Lucie Budgen, 23, picked up the award at a ceremony held by the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education (CACHE), during a conference in Kensington.

Lucie is due to complete a level 3 childcare apprenticeship in the summer.

She said: “I was really pleased and excited when I found out I had won. It was amazing. I was incredibly nervous when I received the award, but it was a fantastic evening and I still can’t believe I won!”

Lucie was nominated for the award by her course leader Laura Hogben, who said: “We’re really proud of Lucie – she truly deserved to win this award.

“She always goes the extra mile for her studies and receives exemplary reports about her work at the nursery.

“Away from her apprenticeship, Lucie has a very demanding home life but she continues to excel both at college and in her workplace.

“She works hard and continues to overcome barriers that could potentially stop her from achieving. She is a fantastic student and I know she has a really bright future ahead of her.”

Lucie currently works as a nursery assistant at Pound Hill Pre-School but she has her sights set on a very specific future.

She said: “I am really enjoying what I’m doing at the moment. I really enjoy supporting and teaching the children at the pre-school.

“When I was a child, I had a serious illness and I would love to do something that helps to make a difference to children who are going through a similar thing.

“I would like to work as a play specialist at a hospital, such as Great Ormond Street. That’s my dream.”

Shelagh Legrave OBE, Chichester College principal, added: “I would like to congratulate Lucie on her award.

“I am constantly impressed by our students and we are all extremely proud of Lucie’s achievements.”

Lucie is pictured receiving her award from Julie Hyde, an executive director at CACHE.

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