A YOUNG learner from Chester has been selected from nearly 18,000 individuals across England to win a prestigious YMCA Training Achievement Award in honour of her exceptional achievements.

Seventeen-year-old Rebecca Rowland was awarded the Apprentice of the Year award following the exceptional way she developed her personal and vocational skills.

YMCA Training’s Annual Achievement Awards recognise how individuals have demonstrated commitment, hard work and outstanding achievement during their time with YMCA Training, through gaining qualifications, developing personal qualities and obtaining a positive progression to further education, training or employment.

This year’s event was sponsored by John Penrose, MP for Westonsuper-Mare, with the winners being presented their awards by TV presenter Diane Louise Jordan and YMCA Training chief executive Anne Linsey.

Rebecca first arrived at YMCA Training in July 2009 to complete an apprenticeship in children’s care, learning and development.

Rebecca has a physical disability known as Ehlers-Danlos Hyper Mobility Type, a tissue disorder affecting mobility and causing great pain.

Due to her illness, Rebecca was only attending school 40% of the time and was receiving multi-agency support from paediatricians and physiotherapists. YMCA Training was invited to attend a care meeting at Rebecca’s school to discuss options for her future, kick-starting Rebecca’s transition to her apprenticeship.

Despite the barriers she faced, Rebecca completed her apprenticeship in 11 months even though she could only attend the programme on a part-time basis.

She often worked on written work and assessment in her own time, and achieved a staggering 98% attendance rate.

Rebecca’s future in childcare looks bright – she has started her advanced apprenticeship in children’s care, learning and development and gained part-time employment at Jigsaw Day Nursery.

Karen Dykes, manager at YMCA Training Chester, said: “Rebecca’s story proves that if a young person wants to succeed, they will overcome any obstacle put in their way. She is truly an inspiration to others.”

Rebecca said: “Because of my disability I am unable to work full-time but YMCA Training was really flexible in allowing me to complete my course on a part-time basis.

“As long as I can remember I have always wanted to work with children – I really enjoy working and caring for them – and winning this award means a lot to me.”

YMCA Training chief executive Anne Linsey said: “All of our award winners this year have shown real tenacity and drive in achieving their goals.

“They are an inspiration to all of us, and we wish them the best of luck for the future.”