UEA celebrates apprentice success at Norfolk awards
By: Communications
Three UEA students have been recognised at Norfolk’s annual awards to celebrate the talent and dedication of apprentices.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 ended with a bang for UEA apprentices Rebekah Girling, Louise Woods and Zoë Mutty.
Each was shortlisted for awards at the Apprenticeship Norfolk Awards, recognising the talent and dedication of apprentices and employers across the county. Rebekah Girling, who undertook the Senior Leader apprenticeship, ultimately won the Impact Award. Their success is a testament to their hard work and the quality of support they receive at UEA.
Apprenticeships offer flexible routes into Higher Education and a different way to learn. Working towards a university qualification while employed in a place of work, apprentices typically spend one day a week studying in a structured learning environment and the rest of their time in the workplace, gaining confidence, experience and professional skills.
Louise Woods, 37, from Norfolk, undertook the Clinical Associate in Psychology degree apprenticeship, specialising in supporting children and young people.
She said: “I felt incredibly honoured to be nominated and shortlisted as a finalist for the Apprentice Norfolk Awards 2026 in the Impact category.
“To me, the nomination reflects not only the value of apprenticeships in the workplace but also the exceptional teaching at UEA, alongside the support of my supervisor, clinical lead and wider team.
“Together, these elements enabled me to learn, reflect and grow, ultimately improving the support I offer to children, young people and families.”
Zoë Mutty, 32, who grew up in Norwich and also undertook the Clinical Associate in Psychology degree apprenticeship, was shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year award.
She said: “I feel incredibly proud to have been nominated ... and to represent the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, the UEA and the Clinical Associate in Psychology profession.
“The Apprentice Norfolk Awards have helped highlight the skilled psychological workforce that has grown from the apprenticeship initiative, not only in Norfolk but CAPs nationally.
“I feel privileged to be part of a profession which is contributing meaningfully to its local communities to support mental health needs.”
UEA’s apprenticeship provision has grown rapidly in recent years. The university now works with more than 200 employer partners, supports over 900 apprentices across different disciplines and has been recognised by Ofsted as a ‘Good’ apprenticeship provider. With plans to continue expanding the number of degree apprenticeships on offer, the future of apprenticeships at UEA is bright.
Mandi Syrett, Head of Apprenticeships at UEA, said: “UEA’s degree level apprenticeships give students a way to study that fits around their work, family life and career goals.
“Our programmes focus on areas where the region most needs skilled professionals and combine academic learning with practical on the job experience.
“Many of our apprentices live and work locally, so the skills they gain stay in the region.”
To find out more about doing an apprenticeship at UEA, head to the UEA apprenticeships information page.
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