Plumbing apprentice Rebecca Markey won the Kirklees Adult Learner Award for ‘New Directions’ on Thursday 13 October. The awards, given out in a formal ceremony at the University of Huddersfield on Thursday evening, celebrate adult learners across Kirklees who have returned to education and are making a positive impact within their chosen industry. Rebecca was nominated for the awards by her tutor, Graham Bailey, who has taught Rebecca since she joined the college on a Level 1 Plumbing course in 2021.
When Rebecca arrived at enrolment in 2021, she had been out of education for several years, having achieved her degree seven years prior. Keen to start a new career, she enrolled on the Level 1 Plumbing diploma and hit the ground running. In her first year, Rebecca consistently achieved high grades and even took the time to support younger students on the course.
In 2022, Rebecca progressed onto the Level 2 Plumbing course and entered the first ever female HIP Northern Skills Plumbing competition, narrowly missing out on a place in the national final. At the competition, Rebecca impressed the judges so much that she gained a reference from the UK Sales Manager of a top Pipeline company.
This September, Rebecca started a Level 3 Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship with Neighbourhood Housing and Kirklees College. Her progression, aptitude and positive attitude to learning clearly stood out to the Kirklees Adult Learner Awards’ judging panel and ultimately led to her receiving this prestigious award.
Speaking about Rebecca and the awards ceremony, Graham Bailey said:
‘I nominated Rebecca for her achievements at the college and the incredible changes she has made to her life and the impact she has already had on the Plumbing and Heating Industry. I am very proud to say Rebecca won an award in one of the categories, along with many other wonderful adult learners from all walks of life across the Kirklees borough. Just goes to show, it’s never too late to learn and it’s never too late to change direction.’
To find out more about our construction courses for adults at Kirklees College, click here.
