Southwell teenager Lauren Hazard first in region to complete new government diploma

A teenager from Southwell has become the first person in the region to complete the new Government Apprenticeship Scheme.

Lauren Hazard, 18, completed her Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care in August.

The healthcare assistant said that being the first in the region to complete the diploma made her feel like a guinea pig.

Lauren said: "The assessors seemed a bit confused.
"For my end assessment I had to do a multiple choice paper and I found a mistake in the mock.

"I asked them if they could send me another one to do but that was all they had, so I never seemed quite prepared enough."

Despite some of the setbacks Lauren passed her diploma with the support of her colleagues at Southwell Court Care Home.

"I have always been supported by everyone here. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life and it's all down to the people I work with."

Before starting at Southwell Court last June, Lauren was studying for A-Levels in Psychology, Media and Sociology before realising A-Levels weren't for her.

She attended a few interviews for child are apprenticeships before landing her current job.

The apprenticeship, which lasted just over a year, was organised by City and Guilds.

Lauren says she enjoys her job and plans to stay there for the foreseeable future. She said: I want to do my level three here. Not immediately as it would be nice to have a break from studying.

"I definitely want to start it in the next three months though."

Lauren's goal is to work with the Alzheimers Society.

"I really love working with the dementia residents here and it's definitely what I want to do in the future."

The manager of Southwell Court, Margaret Hemstock said that she's really proud of Lauren and what she's achieved.

She said: "I am thrilled to bits for her. I am so proud of this young lady. It's a pleasure to have her here in this building with us."