Mary Bradshaw, Trainee Deputy Manager at Heart of England Co-operative Society
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021
HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR MARY WHO IS NAMED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
A trainee Deputy Manager with the Heart of England Co-operative Society has been given cause to celebrate after being named Apprentice of the Year by her college.
Mary Bradshaw, aged 26, fended off competition from some 50 students at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College to win the award.
It came after her name was put forward by her assessor Kirsty McNamara at the college.
Mary, aged 26, of Coalville, is the Trainee Deputy Manager of The Co-operative food at Market Bosworth.
She has worked in retail with the Society for eight years, starting as a Customer Sales Assistant before working her way up to Supervisor and Trainee Deputy Manager.
As part of the course – NVQ Level 3 in Retail Team Leader – Mary has gone through almost two years of study, working her way through a series of modules including health and safety, people management, store standards, stock management, cash and security. Over the two years her work has comprised coursework, a series of tests, as well as numerous presentations in front of the Management Team
Mary, who is approaching the end of the course, said she felt real pride in her achievement and her success had spurred her on to keep reaching for her goals.
She said: “I’m passionate about working in retail and my ambition is to one day be a Store Manager.
“I worked really hard throughout the course but I didn’t expect to win the Apprentice of the Year title. I’d work a full day at the Society and then go home to coursework. But I really enjoyed it and barely noticed the hours I put in so I feel really proud to have won this recognition.”
She added: “I’ve never won anything like this before and didn’t expect to win this now. But I’ve gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience throughout the apprenticeship so the work has been well worth it.”
Steve Browne, General Manager of the Society’s Food Division said: “Well done to Mary on winning this award. Throughout her time at the Society she has demonstrated an excellent work ethic and has always been highly respected among her colleagues.
“Her award has come as no surprise as her passion for the Society, her colleagues and our members and customers shines through. We congratulate Mary on this fantastic achievement and will of course continue to support her in her future career choices as she continues to learn more about the business and climb the ladder.”