Coventry Apprentice Wins Award

Kathleen Culleton-Underwood, a 20 year old Accountancy Apprentice with Zenith Contractors Ltd in Coventry is delighted after winning the Coventry Freeman’s Guild Apprentice of the Year Award 2018.

Whilst undertaking her Apprenticeship with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training, Kathleen has achieved her Intermediate Apprenticeship in Accountancy including gaining her AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate with merit and ahead of time. She has also progressed on to her Advanced Apprenticeship and has taken and achieved her first exam on her Level 3 AAT in Advanced Book Keeping.

Commenting on her award, Kathleen said: “Working in the accounts department at Zenith has given me an insight into various ways of running a business. I was recently called upon by the Chairman to provide some complex information – and he was so impressed he has now asked for me to provide this on a regular basis. In addition, when my manager was away for a few weeks, I took charge and ran the department. I have also taken on a complex role involving liaising with each subcontractor in the construction scheme and HMRC requiring diligence, aptitude and a high level of accuracy.

“Amongst many voluntary activities I’ve been involved in, I went to Lourdes to help look after a group 60 elderly and vulnerable pilgrims for a week, and took a gap year to volunteer at the Alton Castle Retreat which is part of the Kenelm Youth Trust.  This involved helping young people explore their faith, friendships, behaviour and generally to become better people.

 “As a result of this experience I went on a Youth Leaders course and set up a Youth Group for 11-14 year olds to explore their faith beyond primary school as she felt this was missing. I spent two weeks in Uganda working with the community and different tribes plus I also regularly help with activities for young people through the Andy Robinson Young People’s Trust.”

Commenting on Kathleen’s success, Rachel Perry at Zenith Contractors said: “Kathleen has become a trusted and reliable member of staff and is seen as knowledgeable and helpful.  She is a kind and caring individual with a strong interest in voluntary work and has shown selfless dedication to improving the lives of others when not at work – in fact this is clearly a vocation with her.”

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training was  announced as Training Provider of the Year 2018 at the awards evening, which is another fantastic achievement for the team of  independent training providers offering Apprenticeships across Coventry & Warwickshire.

Photo caption: Kathleen Culleton-Underwood is seen here with Dr Tracey Rea, Head of Business Operations with Lloyds Banking Group, The Lord Mayor of Coventry and Brian Jackson, The Master of the City of Coventry Freeman’s Guild