Wyre Forest talent spotted at national level
News release issued:
A Wyre Forest District Council apprentice has been shortlisted for a national award. Zubeda Miah is a finalist in the 2023 Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards. The 18-year-old is one of ten young people shortlisted in the charity, voluntary and public services category. Half the finalists are from local authorities and Zubeda is the only one from a district council: the other local government finalists are from larger city or county councils.
She began her apprenticeship at the Council as a Customer Services Advisor in 2021. A year later she moved on to her current role as a Community Project Officer Apprentice.
The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards aim to showcase talent and diversity within multicultural communities. They celebrate young people working hard to overcome adversity to achieve their goals through apprenticeships. The awards highlight the achievements of apprentices and the contribution of employers and learning providers who have assisted them along their journey.
Zubeda, who is due to complete her apprenticeship later this year, said:
“When I saw my name on that shortlist I went through every emotion, but most of all I felt, and I still feel, really excited! Getting to the final ten in my category is such an amazing way to end my apprenticeship. It’s been challenging, I’ve learned such a lot and I know I wouldn’t be at this ceremony without the encouragement of Wyre Forest District Council, Kidderminster College and all my family. I know I’m still young but this apprenticeship has empowered me and I hope my journey may inspire other young people too – that would be great!”
Zubeda was nominated for the award by Danny Pardoe, Business Engagement Lead at Kidderminster College.
He said:
“It’s not every day that a local apprentice is nominated for a national award. And the role of an apprentice is rarely easy or straight forward. This nomination certainly reflects Zubeda’s hard work, commitment and dedication to both her studies at Kidderminster College and her contribution to the team at Wyre Forest District Council.”
Wyre Forest District Council has six apprentices at the moment. They are working in business administration, accountancy, water management and project management.
Councillor Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Wellbeing, said:
“We have a culture of recruiting and nurturing great people. We are particularly keen to give young people, just starting off, real opportunities to develop their skills in local government. It’s a varied environment, serving a fantastic community in Wyre Forest, and this offers Zubeda plenty of work experiences and life skills. She’s an absolute asset and we are all right behind her. We wish her the best of luck at the award ceremony in October.”