By absolutely blowing away the judges for the ALFED Rising Star Apprentice Awards, Heidi Pickles, a Business Administration apprentice at our Leeds Service Centre, has been nominated as a finalist. The ALFED Awards were created to highlight people and organisations who are taking the driving seat, pushing the UK’s aluminium industry into the future. With the high calibre of apprentices throughout the industry (we know, we have several ourselves), to stand out and even be nominated for the Rising Star award is an achievement in itself.
Heidi really impressed the judges for many of the reasons she impresses us. The key factors were Heidi’s proactive nature and taking the initiative to bring a new way of thinking where needed. Coming into the role as a school leaver with no experience, and quickly seeing how processes and procedures could be improved, showed that she learns fast and understands the business.
They were also impressed that Heidi actively took on a range of additional duties, working hard to develop her skills, attained distinctions in her apprenticeship, and showed the drive and ambition to be a future leader in our industry. Back in February, for National Apprenticeship Week, Leed Service Centre manager, Chris Clack, said of her, “Heidi is a delight to work with, she brings energy, enthusiasm and a little cheek! She continues to grow her skills and plays a major part in our operation.”
The awards will be held next month at the ALFED Annual Dinner, on 24th September. The Righton Blackburns team will be cheering Heidi on, with many crossed fingers hoping she comes away with a well-deserved win.
