A KIDDERMINSTER woman has scooped a regional accolade at the West Midlands round of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2014.

Evangelene Brookes, a business administration apprentice with The Community Housing Group, was named Learndirect Intermediate Apprentice of the Year award at the ceremony on Tuesday, September 16 in Birmingham.

She said: “During my A-levels I was unsure what to do next. While my teachers were directing me to university I wasn’t sure this was the right path for me.

“When I saw the advert for my apprenticeship I decided to go for it and I haven’t looked back since.

“I’m now seen as a rising star by my employers and I’m working as a HR assistant with great career prospects.”

The 21-year-old will now proceed to a final judging stage and has a chance of winning a national award.

Skills Minister Nick Boles added: “Apprenticeships continue to grow in popularity and events like the National Apprenticeship Awards 2014 showcase how beneficial they are to both employers and individuals.

“It is fast becoming the norm for young people to choose between an apprenticeship or university as a route to a great career.”