TROWBRIDGE Selwood Housing apprentice Hannah Derrick said she has not looked back since joining the company, after winning the prestigious South West Apprentice of the Year award.

The 24-year-old won the award at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual south west conference, which was held on April 16 in Torquay.

Miss Derrick won the award for her hard work and dedication to social housing shown through her role in customer service at Selwood Housing.

She was originally shortlisted as one of three potential winners and asked to give a presentation entitled ‘how to promote housing as a career to young people’.

Liza Fleming, conference and events manager from the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “The award was given to Hannah because of her grasp of why social housing exists and the importance of having a secure and stable home.”

Miss Derrick has excelled in her role within the customer service team and has since been taken on as customer service scripter a role that sees her as an integral part of the team.

She said: “I feel really proud that I have won the award. It was nerve wracking giving the presentation, but I really enjoyed it.

“I am really pleased I started my apprenticeship at Selwood Housing having changed careers from my job in a local pub, I haven’t looked back and am excited to see where my career will take me. I urge others to look at apprenticeships especially at Selwood Housing.”

The Selwood Housing Group is committed to providing quality apprenticeships to the local area and is currently looking for a range of apprentices at its sister company Silcoa, who provide a strong repairs and improvement service to Selwood Housing tenants.

Ria Bristow, group head of organisational development, said: “We are all extremely proud of Hannah and her recent achievement. Hannah and our other apprentices has been a true asset to the organisation and many like Hannah have gone onto permanent positions with us.”

Anyone who is interested in an apprenticeship with The Selwood Housing Group is invited to an open event at Silcoa at Willowside Industrial Park in Canal Road, Trowbridge, on June 10 between 4pm-7pm.

For more information, contact the human resources team on 01225 715715.