Social Work student wins apprenticeship award

A trophy in the shape of a person with their arms aloft is lying on a yellow background which is covered in stars and confetti.

Social Work student Hannah Wright has won the Apprenticeship Determination of the Year award at the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Apprenticeship awards 2023/24. The annual awards recognise apprentices who have demonstrated outstanding work and commitment to their role.

Hannah, who is 35 and has three children, began her social worker degree apprenticeship in 2022, having worked in mental health as an unregistered member of staff since 2009. She is passionate about social justice and chose a social work degree because she wanted a career in which she could support people to improve their health, safety and wellbeing. Doing a degree apprenticeship with the OU enabled her to study and earn a salary so she could continue supporting her family.

The Apprenticeship team at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership said:

“Hannah has worked in challenging environments but has endeavoured to deliver exceptional things within her role and learning journey. She has thrived and shone in the face of adversity.

“Hannah has shown commitment, initiative, and high levels of personal motivation to provide an exceptionally high-level standard of work and commitment to learning. She consistently demonstrates the Trust’s PRIDE values and widely contributes to ongoing work within the Trust.

“Hannah has provided excellence within her role, and strived to achieve through challenge, offering support and guidance to others. She has embraced the apprenticeship as a valuable opportunity for personal, professional and career development.”

Hannah said upon winning:

“I was really grateful to receive this award, I feel incredibly lucky to be completing my apprenticeship with the OU, I have been so well supported by my employer and the OU! I initially doubted my ability to complete a degree but I have really surprised myself.

“Winning the determination award has been a real boost to my confidence and I feel proud of my achievements.”

Once qualified Hannah plans on completing further training to become an Approved Mental Health Professional, supporting young people with their mental health.

Read the original story on OU News.

Find out more about studying social work with the OU.