Personal Achiever of the Year Award
(16-18)

Throughout her Advanced Apprenticeship in Travel Services at Thomson, Jessie, 17, has had to cope with an intensely traumatic family background - her mother violently abused her, whilst also expecting her to fulfil the role of main carer for her younger brother and sister but has never let her difficulties at home affect her work. Her manager, Caroline Monod, describes her as “a model consultant whose enthusiasm and team spirit knows no bounds”.  This respect is mutual with Jessie saying that “having so much support from my colleagues and working hard for Thompson has helped me to get through this trauma”. 

Her role within the company involves largely selling holidays and extras. In October 2005 she was taken on as a full-time sales consultant and she achieved 2nd top seller of 14 staff - an amazing achievement.  Jessie has also used her initiative and contacted other local businesses to bring in revenue and heighten awareness of her company which is much appreciated by her colleagues.

Since starting her Apprenticeship in August 2004, Jessie has generated nearly £158,000 in sales revenue, and was one of only 24 apprentices nominated for her company’s Advanced Apprentice of the Year award and recently raised more than £100 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Jessie was one of the first Apprentices to complete her NVQ2 and Key Skills in May 2005 and she fast tracked through her NVQ3 due to completing the work early, highlighting her commitment to her work.

Just one year after Jessie started as an Apprentice she stepped into the role of assistant Manager for a week due to absence and her efforts were described as “brilliant”.  This has given her a taste of life in management and Jessie is now keen to continue developing her management skills and move her way up in her company.