Stellar colleague Martha is Apprentice of the Year

Congratulations to Lincolnshire Co-op colleague Martha Kitchen – she’s been named Apprentice of the Year in the Lincolnshire Live Business Awards 2019!

Some of the most innovative, influential and successful businesses across the county were celebrated with accolades during the ceremony, held in the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.

Martha wowed the award judges with her determination to grow and succeed in both work and her studies.

Having started her Lincolnshire Co-op career as a Customer Service Assistant at its Collingham Food store, Martha moved to the Society’s Head Office in Lincoln to complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration with Boston College. Now, Martha is working towards a Level 6 Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship with the Lincoln International Business School, part of the University of Lincoln.

And, as Engagement Officer at Lincolnshire Co-op, she supports colleagues and helps organise and manage volunteering events that make lives better in local communities.

Martha said: "I was shocked to win and I wasn’t expecting it. I was just happy and honoured to be there and I had to catch my breath when walking up to collect the award. I look back and I’m proud of how I’ve grown as a person. The role has helped me immensely in terms of working with other colleagues and my communications skills.

"I’m thankful for Lincolnshire Co-op for giving me the opportunity to work at Head Office and learn from others to improve my skills. It’s been a really busy year and I’ve accomplished so much."

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Head of People and Performance Heather Lee said: “Martha couldn’t be more deserving of this award. Her dedication and determination to succeed were clear from the moment she joined us at Lincolnshire Co-op.

“We’ve 90 apprentices currently working within the Society so we know how valuable apprenticeships can be in helping talented people to develop and grow, whether they’re starting out in their role or want to further their career.

“Martha is a shining example of what can be achieved while earning as you learn, together with partners such as Boston College and the University of Lincoln.”

Business Assessor at Boston College Lynne Exposito said: "Martha has always worked to a high standard in all aspects of her apprenticeship. Her written work, observations and discussions were always well planned.

"To help her future development, Martha picked Level 4 units within her Level 3 apprenticeship taking her out of her comfort zone but embracing the challenge with enthusiasm. We are very proud of Martha winning this award and wish her well in her future career."

Senior Lecturer at the Lincoln International Business School Alex Alterskye said: “Martha has enthusiastically embraced the course, ensuring that she can apply the knowledge and skills developed on it to her role at Lincolnshire Co-op.

“She is an ambitious student who is always looking to increase her effectiveness at work, increase her management knowledge and skills, and deliver more value to her internal and external customers.”