“Although I find it hard to see myself as anything out of the ordinary, it has only been through receiving the recognition from others, and reflecting on what I have managed to achieve with my Apprenticeship, that I now understand the magnitude of what I had to overcome.”
Daisy Clark, 22, overcame a set-back that could have ended the careers of many, and then went on to succeed in her Apprenticeship. Daisy began an Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation in November 2004. In January 2006, on the way to sit one of her electrical exams, Daisy was involved in a horrific car accident that left her with a broken back and injuries to her chest, head and legs. After such a traumatic event, Daisy was understandably unsure about her future.
Daisy says: “After the accident, I had no concept of how things were going to work out, especially as the nature of my work meant my job was physically demanding. It was a dark and difficult time for me and my whole life was put on hold.”
While reflecting during her lengthy recovery, Daisy decided to push forward in her Apprenticeship as best she could. However, she was frequently in pain and suffered loss of memory and concentration.
Daisy says: “Despite my painful recovery, I felt I had to progress with learning and achieve the goals I had set out for myself before the accident. I soon found the hard work was paying off and I was starting to gain results. I had caught up with the other apprentices academically and I finished my exams.”
After nearly seven months of rehabilitation, Daisy returned to work at Balfour Kilpatrick. Daisy said that a positive attitude and a dedication to completing her Apprenticeship prevented the accident from ruining her life.
Daisy says: “I could so easily have given up and blamed the accident for the loss of my career and any future prospects I had. I feel that through support and encouragement from my Apprenticeship trainers and colleagues, and a new found belief in myself, I have achieved the goals I set out to accomplish and exceeded the expectations of those who may have doubted my character.”
Gary Hodgkison, Training Officer for JTL, said that, despite being out of the workplace for a seven-month period, Daisy returned to work with a rejuvenated mindset.
Gary says: “She completed her Stage 3 log book ahead of the programmed hand-in date. The resulting work that was submitted was an excellent example of what apprentices can achieve with a determined and focused frame of mind. Daisy has not only excelled in her role as an electrical apprentice, taking on a role more traditionally associated with males, but has overcome personal hardship and completed her framework ahead of her scheduled end date by nearly a year.”
Daisy was a finalist in the Personal Achiever of the Year category at the 2008 national Apprenticeship Awards.