AN APPRENTICE who ‘hit the ground running’ when she joined the Barnsley College health and safety department has been commended for her commitment.

Emma Hubbard, 21, of Lytham Avenue, Monk Bretton, began working as an apprentice in February last year after realising she wanted to build a career but do it outside the classroom.

After leaving her hair and beauty course, she worked while she decided what she wanted to do.

Emma said: “I wasn’t happy studying hair and beauty. I left school not really knowing what I wanted to do. Through the college I heard about apprenticeships and decided to apply for the health and safety position. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

Emma now supports college departments in a variety of ways, from training staff on health and safety procedures to supporting departments who have people on work placement.

She is now halfway through her level three business administration qualification and she is undertaking units at a higher level.

Emma added: “Working at Barnsley College has boosted my confidence tremendously.

“If I knew about the option to go into an apprenticeship at the start I would have applied sooner.”

Emma has earned a Young Champions award nomination for her commitment to the college.

The nomination from her tutors at Barnsley College said: “Emma shows tremendous commitment to both her role and to the college as a whole.

“She is very focused on delivering the best possible service to everyone in college. She is very proactive and self-motivated to seek solutions and she rises to challenges as and when she is presented with them.

“She ensures that her job is done and done well.

“Emma prompts her manager in regards to work he hasn’t completed which he needs to send to heads of departments, which is completely above and beyond her role.

“She is not fazed by dealing with people and contractors in meetings, she holds her own and speaks with confidence.

“She is a fantastic attribute to the health and safety department and to the college, and we are very lucky to have her as part of the team.”