A NURSERY manager who overcame a series of obstacles to succeed in her field has been shortlisted for this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru.

 Rebecca Crook, 41, from St Athan, began the Higher Apprenticeship in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, Leadership and Management with a nursery and training provider that both closed.

But after finding a new job with Little Inspirations Day Nursery, Barry, Ms Crook was able to complete her qualification this summer through Torfaen Training.

And after being promoted to nursery manager, she will now be recognised as one of Wales’ star learners at a ceremony, which takes place at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, on October 20.

Thirty star learners, employers and learning providers involved in the delivery of successful skills programmes across Wales have been shortlisted for the award.

The awards showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners, employers, tutors and assessors who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeships and Apprenticeship programmes.

 Ms Crook praised the support she has received from Little Inspirations Day Nursery and Torfaen Training, who named her the company’s Higher Apprentice of the Year in May.

 She said: “The award has boosted my confidence greatly and has given me the appetite to continue on another learning programme. As a direct result of the apprenticeship, I am much more confident in my job role and believe that gaining more knowledge has made me more effective as a manager.

“When I lost my job, the idea of putting so much effort and hard work into the programmes and then having to give up didn’t sit well with me. It has been a great challenge and making it over all the hurdles to a positive outcome is immensely satisfying.”

Praising the standard of applicants this year, skills and science minister Julie James said: “This year’s shortlisted entrants include exceptional individuals who have excelled in their workplace and learning providers and employers that have gone the extra mile to support the apprentices they are working with.

"Their stories never cease to amaze and inspire.

  “These awards provide a perfect platform to celebrate success and reward the hard work and dedication of learners, employers and training providers across Wales.”