In November, we hosted our 2021 ACL Awards. The last 20 months have been a very challenging time for us all which makes these events even more important.

Huge congratulations to John for being awarded Apprentice of the Year. John completed his Level 3 Leadership in Management at ACL Basildon in June 2020 while in the Health and Care sector. He is now using the skills learnt to manage his own company that streams professional wrestling online!

“During his apprenticeship, he impressed me with his attitude towards life, his professionalism and his enthusiasm to impact others lives. He overcame so many barriers during his learning journey and rather than allow them to be an obstacle he took them as an opportunity for personal growth. For these reasons I feel that John would be a worthy contender for Apprentice of the Year.”

Nomination statement

What apprenticeship did you complete?

Level 3 Leadership in Management at ACL Basildon.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship at ACL?

I wanted to learn something new and bring something different into the health and social care setting that I was in at the time. Up until enrolling on the ACL apprenticeship, all of the qualifications I saw were aimed towards just Health and Social care specifically. This apprenticeship allowed me to have different interests and have different skills which I hadn’t had before which I could use in a range of sectors.

What was the best thing about the apprenticeship?

I think learning about new tools and project management. I was able to bring some extra professionalism into the company which directors had taken on board.

Has the course helped your career?

It certainly has. All of the skills I learnt I can use across my career not only in a health and care sector but in all roles I am in. I am now the owner of a professional wrestling streaming site.

What does it mean to receive your award today?

It was really nice to be acknowledged especially by my assessor. I would like to thank for him.

Well done John, brilliant achievement. To view all winners and to see a selection of photography from the awards, click here.

The ACL Essex Achievement awards were kindly supported by Visit Essex, Explore Essex and Essex Outdoors; students were offered a series of top prizes at key attractions across the county.