A Hull College and MSS Microgeneration Services Apprentice has been shortlisted for an Association of Colleges’ 2022/23 Student of the Year award.

Emma Holmes is one of three finalists in the running for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year category of the national awards.

As a Level 3 Junior Content Producer Apprentice, Emma worked as a marketer at MSS Microgeneration Systems - a Microgeneration Certification Scheme consultancy company which started up in February 2020. She began her apprenticeship as a mature student with no previous experience in digital design or content production just before the start of the 2021/22 academic year.

However, after quickly developing and mastering a wide range of skills at college and in the workplace, Emma successfully completed what was a 15-month apprenticeship ahead of schedule in just 12 months, much to the benefit of her employer. Using creative and innovative marketing material, ranging from blog posts to informative videos, she championed the use of energy efficient heat pumps across the UK to successfully increase revenue and bring in new clients for the company during what was an exceptionally challenging time in the eco-heating industry, amidst a backdrop of change in government incentive schemes.

During her apprenticeship, Emma also participated in a small student focus group that represented the entire the college in front of a new CEO and Senior Leadership Team in July 2022. In doing so, she provided an insight into the apprenticeship provision on offer at Hull College, explaining the good practices and experiences, as well as potential development areas for future apprentices and the college going forward.

Reflecting on being nominated for the award, Emma said: “I was shocked when I was told I had made the list of finalists for the award. It wasn't something I was expecting whatsoever, but I am really proud to have had my work and learning achievements - both in and out of college - recognised. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and experience on the apprenticeship and found every aspect of the course interesting and worthwhile.

“I would also like to thank Andrew and everyone at Hull College for the support they provided throughout my training, especially having started late and finished early. Thankfully, I managed to get everything done to complete the course, although that wouldn't have been possible without the support of both Andrew and the college.”

Andrew Sanders, Head of Design, Media & Marketing Apprenticeships at Hull College, said: “Emma is so deserving of this nomination and winning the award. She exemplifies professionalism and is a showcase of what can be achieved with passion and the right attitude. Emma had no prior experience in digital design, using software or content production prior to her apprenticeship, but went on to successfully complete what was a 15-month apprenticeship ahead of schedule in just over 12 months!

“During that time, she mastered a wide array of skills and abilities which she has put to incredible use, already securing a promotion to defacto Marketing Manager for her employer, MSS Microgeneration Systems. Emma is entrepreneurial, creative, hardworking and committed, and would undoubtedly make for a worthy winner of this award. It would be deserved recognition for the hard work and dedication she has shown.”

Vicky Wathen, CEO from MSS Microgeneration Services, said: “Emma is a brilliant employee. She’s been creating fantastic promotional videos for us over the year, and even on Maternity Leave has been willing to go above and beyond by creating extra promotional work, using the skills she learned on the apprenticeship. Emma’s attitude and dedication are absolutely first rate, and her progress in just a year on the Junior Content Producer Apprenticeship on everything from social media work to promo videos has been absolutely incredible.”

Corrienne Peasgood, President of the Association of Colleges, said: “The Student of the Year Awards rightly shine a light on individuals who have made a significant impact in their college and/or community. The finalists for the Apprentice of the Year award have all made outstanding contributions and should be extremely proud of their achievements.”  

Each year, the Association of Colleges Student of the Year awards celebrate truly unique students from colleges across the country who deserve recognition and will go on to inspire others. The five categories are: Adult Student of the Year, Young Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Higher Education Student of the Year and Student Green Commitment.

These awards are an opportunity to highlight outstanding and exceptional individuals and showcase their achievements, talents and successes. All nominated students have gone above and beyond to give back and positively impact their college and community. The winner of each category will be announced at the Association of Colleges’ Annual Conference on Tuesday 15th November and Wednesday 16th November.

For more information on how local businesses can work in partnership with Hull College on delivering an apprenticeship, please call our apprenticeship team on 0300 3302010, email apprenticeships@hull-college.ac.uk or alternatively visit www.hull-college.ac.uk/apprenticeships.

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