Apprentice Caitlin shortlisted for regional award after forging new career in the trades
One of our apprentices who is passionate about encouraging more women to consider careers in the trades has been shortlisted for a prestigious regional award.
Caitlin Morley has been nominated for the Level 2 Apprentice of the Year Award for her Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship and will attend the East Midlands regional ceremony of the Apprenticeship and Skills Award in Leicester on Wednesday 7 October.
If successful at the regional awards, Caitlin will progress to the national ceremony later in the year.
The recognition marks another milestone in Caitlin's career where she is now working towards becoming a heating engineer and has developed a broad range of practical skills while completing her apprenticeship.
Caitlin said: "It means a lot to me to be shortlisted and I'm slightly in shock that I've made it to this stage of the awards. I'm really proud of what I'm doing and how far I've come.
"I want to show other people just how good apprenticeships can be and how many valuable skills you can learn through them.
"It's particularly important to me to show other women that they can work in the trades. These careers are for everyone and I'd love to think that seeing someone like me doing it might encourage another woman or girl to consider a career they perhaps hadn't thought was for them."
Plumber Aiden McDonnell - who wrote Caitlin's reference - has worked alongside her on jobs ranging from straightforward repairs to complete bathroom replacements.
In his reference, Aiden praised Caitlin's personal and professional development, the pride she takes in her work and her ability to remain focused when faced with demanding jobs and tight timescales.
He said: "Caitlin has shown phenomenal personal and professional growth since entering the industry. Whatever job she's given, she strives for the best possible finish and takes real pride in what she does.
"I've worked with Caitlin on jobs where the workload, unexpected problems and timescales have all been against us, but she stays clam, works out a plan and gets on with the job without compromising on quality.
"She has grasped every opportunity to learn and has limitless potential and a genuine passion for the industry. Being shortlisted reflects just how far she has come since starting her journey towards becoming a tradesperson."
Colin Matthews, our Service Manager said Caitlin's recognition also highlighted the value apprenticeships can bring to both individuals and employers.
He said: "We're incredibly proud to see Caitlin shortlisted. She has embraced every opportunity to learn and develop and has shown the commitment, resilience and enthusiasm that you want to see in someone building a career in the trades.
"Apprenticeships give people the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications while developing practical skills and learning from experienced colleagues. Caitlin is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through that route.
"It's also really important that we continue to challenge outdated perceptions about who can work in the trades. We want talented people from all backgrounds to see this as a career open to them, and Caitlin is a brilliant role model for other women considering taking that step."
Caitlin's Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship has given her experience across different areas of the repairs and maintenance, helping to build the practical knowledge and skills she needs as she develops her career in heating engineering.
The Apprenticeship and Skills Awards recognise apprentices and organisations across England and celebrate the achievements and impact of apprenticeships and skills development.
The East Midlands regional ceremony takes place in Leicester on 7 October 2026, with regional winners progressing to the national stage of the awards.
Photo caption : Caitlin Morley has been nominated for the Level 2 Apprentice of the Year Award