Aspiration Awards 2024: Apprentice of the Year winner – Ellie Burke, Rochdale Training

The Apprentice of the Year category recognises an exceptional apprentice for their work, either within their workplace or in relation to their classroom-based learning. This year’s winner, Ellie Burke, has excelled in both of these areas, whilst working towards her Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification with Rochdale Training. 

Overcoming personal challenges and the journey towards an apprenticeship 

Ellie’s learning journey has not come without its hardships. In September 2022, she found herself unsure of what steps to take. With the support of her mother, Ellie was introduced to the Prince’s Trust team in Rochdale, where she initially felt very nervous due to struggling with alopecia and lacked confidence in her skills.  

However, after completing a 12-week course with the Prince’s Trust, and with guidance from her mentors at the Rochdale Council’s Youth Hub, she successfully secured an apprenticeship with Rochdale Training, and is now making positive changes for young adults with mental and physical health needs.  

Caring responsibilities aren’t new to Ellie as she grew up helping to look after her brother who has Down’s Syndrome, sparking her passion for the care sector and giving back to others from an early age. 

Since beginning her apprenticeship, Ellie’s confidence has soared and she’s flourished academically and personally, with her tutor sharing: “Ellie is one of the best apprentices I’ve ever met. Ellie has been on a tough journey over the previous few years, but she’s been determined to progress. She’s stayed focused on the future and her dream of pursuing a career path to help others in the health and social care sector.”  

Going above and beyond expectations 

Ellie is rapidly progressing through the qualification and attends all her mandatory training, eagerly asks questions, and shadows other staff members to enhance her skills. Ellie consistently meets deadlines and produces high-quality work. With a 100% attendance and punctuality rating, and taking on lead roles only 6 months in, Ellie’s already reaping the benefits of her hard work. She’s an inquisitive apprentice, unafraid to challenge norms, and always looking for ways to improve services. 

In addition to her apprenticeship, Ellie has also completed several further qualifications, including Level 3 First Aid, Level 1 Carbon Literacy, and Level 1 Money Management. After finding maths challenging, she’s proactively requested additional lessons and shows enthusiasm by putting in the extra hours of work on weekends and evenings to continually improve.  

“Ellie is the future of this business and sector.” - Roxanne Sharp, Health and Social Care Tutor, Rochdale Training. 

Making a difference in the community 

As part of her role at Gateway Leisure, Ellie works as part of a team providing services for people with disabilities and their carers. She often represents Gateway whilst out in the local community, assisting the service users on day trips and excursions. Recently, she also helped to engage the service users to participate in some new activities, such as Zumba, which were received with enthusiasm.  

Ellie has received amazing feedback from her managers and mentors, who all feel as though she has a positive, polite and mature approach to her work, remains undeterred by challenging situations, and can effectively handle chaotic groups with diverse and deep-rooted support needs. 

Ellie encourages others to consider apprenticeships, acting as an ambassador, and expressed that she finds the role “so rewarding and seeing service users smiling is what makes the job worthwhile.” She added: “I definitely recommend an apprenticeship because it helps you to learn new skills and gives you more support on the right path to your future. I enjoy attending school events and telling others about the benefits of being an apprentice.” 

Volunteering and community spirit 

Ellie’s commitment to helping others extends beyond her apprenticeship. She has volunteered at the Sanctuary Trust café, washing up and putting together care packages, helped to create a user-friendly environment by re-painting walls for children at Moorhouse Children's Centre, and raised funds for various causes. Her efforts include walking around Hollingworth Lake to raise £250 for paint and supporting breakfast events for veterans at Touchstones. 

Thanks to Ellie’s apprenticeship, she’s found a new purpose in life and is set to achieve some brilliant things. Her journey from a nervous, reserved individual to a confident, proactive apprentice is a testament to her resilience and determination and make her a shining example of what an apprentice can achieve despite facing numerous challenges.  

Her positive impact on Gateway Leisure and the wider community over the past 12 months has been outstanding, and she is an incredibly deserving Apprentice of the Year. 

Congratulations Ellie! To read more inspirational stories from this year's award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2024 page.

Apprentice of the Year – Ellie Burke, Rochdale Training