Local Government Apprentice Award

Surrey County Council Apprentice Laura wins Local Government Apprentice Award 2023!

Laura De Campos Duhdamell from Surrey County Council has been named as the 2023 Local Government Apprentice of the Year.

Laura, who is a Projects and Partnership Support Assistant and a Level 3 apprentice in Business Administration, won the award by competing in a virtual day of challenges to encourage participants to showcase their skills, expertise, and initiative. Laura is proud to be a part of the Health Integration team at Surrey County Council.

She was chosen to represent Surrey County Council as the Apprentice of the Year on a topic "Achieving Net Zero." A challenging and thought-provoking topic with an ambitious timeframe.

The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, works to support councils across the country to deliver successful apprenticeship schemes to help young people into training and employment as part of its sector support offer.

Here Laura shares her pride and energy for the apprenticeships programme which offers unique opportunities to grow talent:

"My apprenticeship journey at Surrey County Council has been an exciting rollercoaster ride of growth and opportunity! From the moment I stepped through the doors, I knew it was the start of something extraordinary—a new chapter with endless possibilities. Along this incredible journey, I have had the opportunity to shadow exceptional individuals who not only provided me with a front-row seat to their expertise but also inspired me to push the boundaries of my own potential. Spending time with true game-changers like my mentor, Amelia, and being part of an amazing team like the Health Integration Policy with a manager like Lucy Clements and my apprenticeship assessor Debbie Nicholas, who seek opportunities for my skill development- all of them created an environment where I feel welcome and eager to explore.

I still remember feeling nervous when I represented Surrey County Council for the first time in the Young Local Authority of the Year competition, where I had to deliver a speech in front of a large audience. But I managed to push through and conquer my nerves. In that speech, I talked about the power of youth. I believe that, as apprentices, we all initially have some fear about taking big leaps and the possibility of not succeeding. However, I also believe that growth comes from taking risks and just waiting and see what happens! Since taking that leap, I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities.

Winning the title of Local Government Association Apprentice of the Year came as a complete shock to me. It was the first time I had ever won anything in my life. But now, I am embracing my new title. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am ready to make the most of them.

As an apprentice, I am constantly seeking diverse opportunities for personal growth and to support the growth of others. As the co-chair of the Early Careers Network, represent the apprentices who bring the sparkle to SCC. Let's embrace the unstoppable power of youth and create a better future where No One Is Left Behind".