AN award-winning University of Bolton graduate has been recommending apprentice trainee schemes at Westminster.

Beth Sherbourne, who works for MBDA in Lostock, spoke at the House of Lords and appeared on ITV and BBC Radio 5 Live as part of a national scheme to promote apprenticeships. She was named higher apprentice of the year in the National Apprenticeship Awards last year.

The 22-year-old, who graduated last summer from her part-time Business Management undergraduate degree programme, has been working for the missile systems maker since 2008 and is now a senior procurement officer.

In her role with MBDA Beth is in charge of a multi-million pound budget and purchases equipment for MBDA’s missile systems.

Beth says her time at Bolton was important and played a big part in her success: ‘Studying part-time at the University definitely helped me during my apprenticeship. I found it useful as I could relate academic theory to the work and job I was completing.’

Beth has been a star student, graduating with highest marks in her class and picking up a coveted Governors’ Award at graduation.

She believes these achievements have played their part in her latest award. She said: ‘I am sure that being able to state that I was awarded a First Class Honours degree and was presented with a Governors' Award from the University for Significant Academic Achievement highlighted my work ethic and passion to the NAS judging panel.’

Studying at university and working on the MBDA Apprenticeship Scheme at the same time took long-term commitment and focus. She added: ‘I found studying part-time whilst working full-time difficult due to time constraints and I often had to work nonstop over the weekends to ensure I completed all of my work to a high standard.’

Now the sacrifices are paying off and she is transferring the skills learnt at the University to her every day job: ‘The transition has been smooth. I found that the majority of what I learnt within university I could directly apply within the workplace. I could relate the theory of business to my work environment allowing me to suggest improvements and apply best practice.’

Susan Rabbit is the Programme Leader for all the University’s Business undergraduate courses and was also one of Beth's tutors. She said: ‘I am delighted that Beth has won another apprenticeship award and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate her. She has been an outstanding student and a pleasure to teach. I'd like to wish her continued success for the future.’

To find out more about Bolton Business School go to www.bolton.ac.uk/bbs