Michael John of Liverpool celebrates success at North West Learner Awards

Michael John of Liverpool are celebrating the achievements of one of their beauty apprentices, Emma Mason, who won Personal Achiever of the Year award at the North West Learner Awards held at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool last month.

19-year-old Emma, who works at Oasis Sun & Beauty, is on an apprenticeship with Michael John of Liverpool. They are committed to helping her build a successful career as a fully qualified beauty therapist despite facing personal tragedy early in life. Emma was made homeless at 17 but managed to find a hostel and continue working and training. Soon after, her sister died tragically and although heartbroken, Emma became even more determined to make a success of her life. She poured all her efforts and concentration into her apprenticeship and with the support of tutors Nikki Miller and Caroline Grundy, as well as other staff at Michael John of Liverpool, she successfully completed an NVQ level 2 in beauty therapy and is now working towards level 3.

Emma was nominated for Personal Achiever of the Year by her tutors and her employer. The award was one of several won at the Greater Merseyside leg of the North West Learner Awards, funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to highlight the importance of learning.  Chosen from three finalists, Emma was presented with her award by football legend, Alan Kennedy and broadcaster Fiona Armstrong at a prestigious event held at Anfield Stadium on 19^th May. Michael John of Liverpool also had another finalist for the Personal Achiever Award – apprentice hairdresser, Jayne Watterson.

Emma’s tutor, Caroline Grundy comments:

“Everyone is thrilled to bits that Emma has won the award. She really deserves it after all the hard work she’s put into her apprenticeship despite having to overcome some real personal difficulties.”

With this achievement firmly tucked under her belt, Emma now has a chance to win a national LSC award. In the longer term, she plans to continue her training and once qualified wants to work abroad.

“I’m so proud to have won this award and am really looking forward to the future. I feel I’ve got the skills to build a decent career and to deal with anything life throws at me. I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received both from work colleagues and of course from my training provider, Michael John of Liverpool, who have encouraged me all along.”

Michael John of Liverpool is a work-based learning provider offering apprenticeships and NVQs.  

The North West Learner Awards are funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to highlight the importance of learning to individuals, and employers, to communities and to the future of the region.