A Nelson and Colne College student has been named a finalist in a national award.

Shelley Gill, 47, from Burnley, has been shortlisted for the Association of Colleges (AoC) Student of the Year Awards – Apprentice of the Year.

Ms Gill, currently working towards her Institute for Leadership and Management Level 5 apprenticeship diploma, is the only finalist from the North West.

She will compete against students from across the UK for the title.

The AoC Student of the Year Awards celebrate exceptional students from further education colleges across the UK, recognising those who have shown remarkable achievement, dedication, and contributions in areas such as academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership.

Ms Gill expressed her excitement at being shortlisted.

She said: "I’m really honoured and surprised to be shortlisted - I wasn’t expecting it.

"It’s very exciting.

"Balancing an apprenticeship while working full-time is hard work, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and this shortlist is the icing on the cake."

Ms Gill is expecting to complete her diploma by December 2024.

She has worked for the East Lancashire Healthcare Trust (ELHT) for 20 years, starting as a receptionist and gradually advancing to take on more responsibility within the Trust.

In 2021, Ms Gill enrolled at Nelson and Colne College as part of a management trainee programme.

She was identified by her line manager as part of the Trust’s succession planning strategy.

The course, which has covered topics such as organisational strategy, continuous improvement, project management, financial management, building relationships, and leadership, has 'significantly boosted' Ms Gill’s confidence and belief in her abilities.

She said: "I’ve been a deputy centre manager for some time, and an opportunity arose to become a trainee manager for centralised outpatients and administration services (COAS), but it required completing this qualification.

"Once I finish, I’ll move to the next pay grade and officially become a centre manager.

"I was already doing the job, so this felt like the next logical step."

Ms Gill is eager to apply her new skills and has already identified a project to showcase her project management expertise.

Ms Gill encourages people of all ages to continue their studies.

She said: “If anyone is thinking about doing an apprenticeship, just go for it.

"I’ve had the best experience over the past two years and learned so much with incredible support from Nelson and Colne College.

"Once you qualify, those skills stay with you for life.”

The winners will be revealed at the AoC Conference dinner on November 12 and then invited to a special awards celebration at the House of Commons on March 3 next year.