A Newton Aycliffe apprentice was among the finalists in a national competition organised by Business Impact UK.
Lauren Brown, who works as a receptionist and administrator at Reach Out Care Fostering Services in Burnhope, was delighted to be among the final few in the 19 to 23 age category.
“I was really pleased to make it into the finals,” said Lauren, aged 20. “I was 18 when I joined Reach Out Care and I was really shy. I hadn’t enjoyed school and kept missing lessons.”
Lauren has now developed an appetite for learning. “The company arranged for me to study for my NVQ Level 3 in business administration, which I passed, and I’m now doing my Level 3 in customer service. I actually enjoy learning now that I’m not at school! ”
Reach Out Care Fostering Services is rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted and holds Investors in People Gold and Investing in Children accreditations.
“Lauren is a real asset to our organisation,” said director Dot Butler. “We’ve watched her grow in self confidence and skills over the past year or so. She’s great at thinking outside of the box and really makes a positive contribution to the team. She’s also a great advert for the benefits of apprenticeships.”
