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McKenzie Wins Apprentice of the Year at South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards
Posted: 16/06/2025
McKenzie Stephenson, a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprentice, has been honoured with the prestigious Intermediate Apprentice of the Year award at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, celebrating her remarkable personal and professional journey.
McKenzie’s story is one of transformation and triumph over adversity. When she first embarked on her apprenticeship, she faced significant challenges related to anxiety and individual learning needs that impacted her progress.
Recognising these challenges, McKenzie’s training team and employer developed a bespoke learning plan tailored to her unique needs. This innovative approach removed her from the conventional College setting and provided one-to-one training at her workplace, with full employer support.
The new plan empowered McKenzie to engage more effectively, complete her qualification, and meet all deadlines well ahead of schedule.
Her dedication paid off spectacularly. McKenzie passed her End-Point Assessment with flying colours, achieving a Distinction in her Professional Discussion — a testament to her hard work and commitment. Beyond her personal success, she has flourished into a confident, skilled Early Years Practitioner and a valued mentor to other apprentices in her workplace, providing peer support and guidance on training and safeguarding topics.
Amy Stewart, McKenzie’s trainer, praised her extraordinary progress: “McKenzie’s transformation is nothing short of inspiring. From facing significant barriers to becoming a confident, independent, and proactive apprentice, she has demonstrated outstanding resilience, dedication, and professionalism.
“Her willingness to support others and her determination to succeed make her a deserving candidate for this award. McKenzie embodies the values of the apprenticeship programme and serves as a role model for future apprentices.”
Inspired by McKenzie?
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For more information about the courses, visit our Childcare and Education page.
This page was last updated on: 16th June 2025 7:21am










