Hugh Baird College Health and Social Care Apprentice Lola Dawson has won the Prince’s Trust L’Oreal Rising Star Award 2024.
The Rising Star Award recognises young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and positively impacted their local community. Lola scooped the Prince’s Trust L’Oréal Paris Rising Star award, which celebrates young people who have built up their confidence and skills whilst overcoming barriers to secure employment, education, or training.
After completing a two-week placement with the Prince’s Trust team in 2022, Lola expressed her desire to be an adult nurse and soon started her Level 2 Health and Social Care Apprenticeship at Hugh Baird College whilst working at Aintree University Hospital.
Since starting her Apprenticeship, Lola has grown in confidence and feels proud of herself for accomplishing so much in a short period of time.
Lola said:
“I have been in the care system from a young age and out of education since the age of 13. The Prince’s Trust and Hugh Baird College have given me the support and guidance I needed.”
“I’m really enjoying my Apprenticeship and I’m learning so much! I plan to go to university after finishing my programme and become a children’s mental health nurse. The Liverpool CAHMS service has been a great support to me over the years and I want to give back and help others in the same way.”
Lola also studies Functional Skills English and Maths at Hugh Baird College in addition to her Apprenticeship and has gained many skills throughout her studies.
Elaine McInerney, Lola’s Health and Social tutor at Hugh Baird College, said:
“Lola is a very intelligent student; she thinks about her job role when answering questions and always highlights her knowledge and skills. Lola is a pleasure to have in my classroom, engaging and committed. I am delighted she has won this award and it is well deserved. Lola demonstrates the College values of excellence, accountability, and integrity with everything she does.”
Amelie Fortier-Cyr, General Manager at L’Oreal Paris UK and Ireland said:
“A huge congratulations to Lola on everything she has achieved. It’s so inspiring to see the progress she has made, building her self-worth and confidence. We look forward to seeing her continue to achieve bigger and better things in the future.”
Those wishing to find out more about Hugh Baird College’s Apprenticeship courses can do so via their website at https://www.hughbaird.ac.uk/apprenticeships