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A Bromford apprentice electrical engineer has been highly commended at the national Youthbuild UK Awards.

Ebony Hawker traded in her hard hat for a crown for the day as she attended this year’s Youthbuild UK Awards at the House of Commons on Wednesday 20 November, where she received a highly commended. The 22-year-old joined us in September last year as an apprentice electrician and is in her fourth year at Stroud College.

Ebony has had what she describes as a tough upbringing and an anything but normal childhood. When Ebony was 14, she and her younger brother had to move in with their grandma, with Ebony becoming more responsible for the care for her brother. Ebony enrolled at Stroud College when she was 19, put her childhood behind her and looked to the future.

“I was absolutely thrilled to be nominated for this award and invited to the awards ceremony," Ebony said. “It’s great for a female to be recognised for Bromford and I feel really empowered. Through my upbringing I’ve chosen to take a different route and I’m proud to celebrate my journey and what I have achieved.”

Electrical Customer Delivery Manager Dan Tingle nominated Ebony for the award after becoming a fantastic addition to the team.

“This is a huge achievement for Ebony and a very proud moment for her, her family, and for us all here at Bromford. Anyone that knows Ebony will agree with me when I say she's just brilliant. She’s always smiling, always puts her hand up to trying something new and most of all always provides our customers with a great service. Ebony, congratulations, you absolutely deserve this commendation - you're a superstar.”