Hull Training and Adult Education’s (HTAE) engagement lead, Courtney Parker, said she was overwhelmed to have been named one of Hull and Humber’s Top 30 Under 30.
Courtney, 26, was recognised for her impressive level of success during her 10 years with HTAE, progressing from an apprentice to her current role by being a dedicated and hard-working professional.
She was also noted for her excellent approach to account management, managing client relationships to the highest standard and securing strong levels of repeat business as a result.
Courtney was nominated earlier this year and was notified in March that she was to be named one of the region’s Top 30 Under 30 out of a field of around 800 nominees.
She engaged in a series of development leadership skills events, enabling her to increase networking and her professional skills, before receiving her award at DoubleTree Hilton in Hull last week.
Courtney said: “I was surprised to have been nominated for Top 30 Under 30 in the first place, but even more shocked when I was announced as one of the winners.
“It was such an exciting but also slightly overwhelming process, especially having to go through the series of development leadership skills events.
“However, I think that they really helped me to develop both professionally and personally and it was great to celebrate it all with the ceremony last week. I am really proud of what I have achieved.”
Courtney was nominated by her manager, Carole Cuthbert-Hall, HTAE’s employer liaison and partnership development lead.
She said: “I attended the Top 30 Under 30 awards last year and it was dominated by private businesses.
“I thought it was only right that the council shout about their successful young people too and Courtney was the first person who sprung to mind.
“I have known Courtney since she first joined the organisation as a shy 16-year-old apprentice.
“I have seen her flourish into a young woman who is ambitious and wants to succeed.
“She is a kind and generous colleague who continues to impress me every day and is thoroughly deserving of her recognition.”
Courtney added that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of her team.
She has progressed from an apprentice to engagement lead and continues to prove herself to be a valuable asset to HTAE through her professionalism, initiative and collaborative spirit.
She said: “I was signposted to Hull Training and Adult Education by the careers advisor at Sixth Form, as I wasn’t enjoying it and wanted to get into employment.
“I approached Hull Training and Adult Education and discussed my options and they told me which qualifications I needed to get to where I wanted to be and helped me to achieve those.
“I’ve now been part of the team for 10 years and love every second of it.
“I am a huge advocate for apprenticeships as a result and this helps with my day-to-day role which involves me engaging with businesses to promote apprenticeships and training as I have first-hand experience to call upon.”
Cllr Tock, portfolio holder for Hull Training, added: “Courtney is a shining example of the great work which Hull Training and Adult Education does.
“She has progressed from a young apprentice to an important member of the team and I look forward to seeing her and other young people excel.”
