WITH the pandemic hitting as soon as Kim McIntosh started her apprenticeship at the University of Bradford, she could have easily crumbled at the upcoming challenge.

However, the disruption did not faze Ms McIntosh one bit as she went on to gain her qualification in ten months rather than the usual year and a half.

She attended the masterclasses and worked excellently from home, alongside a busy job too.

Ms McIntosh - who works in the legal department at the university in risk management - is described as having been “extremely on the ball” and having “really gone over and beyond to complete within the timescale”.

CTS assessor Julia Holdsworth said: "Kim is very quite but she will be delighted.

"She has worked extremely hard under extreme circumstances with the pandemic.

"Even working from home, she has managed to do her job and come away with a qualification.

"She is just so committed to her job role and the team she supervises.

"She is open now to all the opportunities that may become available at the university and further her career. She can go further up the university chain.

"She can also now do her Level 5. She is an extremely talented student."

People and OD Advisor at the University, Chloe Coles shared her admiration for what mature student Ms McIntosh has achieved.

Ms Coles added: "All the students and staff, who have undertaken these leadership apprenticeships, have done extremely well over the last couple of years

" For Kim to be nominated and then win the award hopefully she will be really proud of herself.

"She is a long-standing member of staff as well so it just shows apprenticeships can be great for anybody.

"We encourage our staff as much as we can to do them."

This award recognises an employer's best apprentice who has successfully come through their programme. The finalists in this category went above and beyond as part of their apprenticeship for an employer who has offered the support and training needed to kick-start their careers.

Dan Clegg, of Incommunities, and Ben Preston, of Bracken Ghyll Golf Club, were also in the running for this award.