Video: Move over Lord Sugar, Margaret’s a top apprentice at 50

Margaret Green says she was written off at school but the regional award for NHS apprentice of the year for the pharmacy assistant who works at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary had put the embarrassment of those early days behind her.

She has worked in the pharmacy at the infirmary for five years but decided to overcome her demons with a return to her studies for an NVQ qualification using e-learning in a tie-up with Bradford College.

Mrs Green, of Golcar, near Huddersfield, said: “I once was humiliated at school and stood on a chair in front of the class for spelling something wrongly and my confidence just went from that day on academically-wise. I could hear everyone in the class laughing at me and I tried to laugh it off but I had curled up and died inside.

“I thought now is the time to overcome my demons – and I have and the feeling is great.”

“When they told me I had been nominated I felt like a winner. Just to have my work recognised was enough for me. But then to win it – well I was blown away. The hospital has been so supportive throughout this course. They have been great and made me realise I can achieve,” she said.

She urged anyone to take up the opportunity to gain qualifications whatever their age.

Her husband Gary was extremely proud of her achievements and her three sons, Reece, 25, Jordan 21 and Jordan 19 had always been supportive of her efforts to advance her career.

“I spend all my time telling my boys they can achieve and can do whatever they want so it was time to follow my own advice,” she said.

Nicola Crawley, senior education and training pharmacy technician at the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS trust, who suggested she take up the course, said: “I have rarely seen a learner who puts so much heart and effort into their work. Margaret is an inspiration to anyone because she has achieved something she never thought she could and we are delighted for her at the trust.”