THE first ever apprentice at a design company was rewarded at a grand award ceremony.

Ella Jackson, of Long Marston won apprentice of the year for small or medium employers at the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild Apprenticeship Awards.

Miss Jackson was the first apprentice at Robert Welch Designs Limited, working in both the Long Marston and Chipping Campden offices.

The 20-year old said: "I was really happy and quite shocked to win, I really did not expect it.

"Being the first apprentice there was a little bit more pressure, but I think it was something me and the company both took into our stride.

"I have found working at the company very useful and I am still with the company now.

I am now doing my level three apprenticeship which I think is equivalent to an A level, after passing my level two."

Miss Jackson picked up one of the top three awards at the historic St Mary's Guildhall and was presented with a prize by The master of the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild, Steven Morson, and the mayor of Coventry, Cllr Lindsley Harvard.

Around 120 people attended the ceremony, which is held annually to recognise the region's best young apprentices.

Miss Jackson's experience has included running workshops and representing the company at trade shows.

She added: "I was really pleased that my hard work and passion for my apprenticeship had been recognised by the Coventry Freemen’s Guild.

"I used to compete in a lot of sports and won a few awards and trophies in football and athletics when I was younger, so it was rewarding to win a different type of award which really signifies my motivation to succeed in my career."

Alice Welch, deputy managing director at Robert Welch said, “We couldn’t be prouder of Ella’s achievements here at Robert Welch Designs.

"The apprenticeship scheme has given both the company and Ella the chance to craft a bespoke training schedule and to ensure that she has had the chance to experience each part of the business in depth.

"This kind of experience is invaluable for Ella as an employee and us as a business. Ella is now a full time member of the Robert Welch team and works within the Operations department.”

Miss Jackson received a certificate, trophy and cheque for £1000.