A Hull City Council apprentice who suffered a stroke during her training has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to complete her course with a distinction.
Amy Shepherd, 31, has successfully achieved her Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE), despite facing significant personal and health challenges along the way.
Amy began her apprenticeship in September 2024 within the council’s Neighbourhoods and Housing service, initially joining the asbestos team. Having previously worked in childcare and education, she saw the apprenticeship as an opportunity to pursue a new career path and gain practical, workplace-based experience.
However, just nine months into her course, Amy’s journey took an unexpected turn when she suffered a stroke in June 2025.
The incident left her without feeling in the left side of her body, requiring support with day-to-day activities and resulting in fatigue, anxiety and short-term memory difficulties. Medical professionals advised that her recovery could take up to six months.
Despite this, Amy was determined to return to both work and learning, beginning a phased return after four months.
Throughout her recovery, she received ongoing support from her employer and training provider. Adjustments were made to allow her to continue her apprenticeship, including a break in learning and online sessions to help her gradually rebuild her confidence and strength.
Amy also manages dyspraxia, a condition which affects how she processes and retains information, adding another layer of challenge to her learning experience. With the support of her tutor, Les North, and her colleagues, she was able to adapt her learning approach and continue progressing.
Speaking about her journey, Amy said: “It was a really frightening time and a huge setback, but I was determined to get back to work and finish what I’d started. The support I received made all the difference.
“I’ve always needed a bit more time to take things in, and after my stroke that became even more important. My tutor was incredibly supportive and helped me break everything down so I could understand it properly.
“I honestly would have been happy with a pass, so achieving a distinction is something I’m really proud of. It shows how far I’ve come.”
As Amy regained confidence in her abilities, she produced work of a high standard and built a strong portfolio, culminating in achieving a full distinction in her End Point Assessment.
Following the completion of her apprenticeship, Amy has progressed within the Neighbourhoods and Housing service and has now moved into the adaptations team. In her new role, she supports work to help tenants live more independently in their homes, including being involved in property adaptations and customer interactions.
She is also continuing her development by progressing onto a Level 3 Customer Service apprenticeship.
Amy said: “I’ve really enjoyed learning about housing and all the different teams. Moving into adaptations is exciting because I’ll be working more closely with tenants and seeing the difference these changes make to people’s lives.”
Her tutor, Les North, praised her achievement. He said: “Amy has faced a number of significant barriers during her apprenticeship, including her stroke and the impact it had on her learning. Despite this, she showed real determination and resilience, returning to complete her course and achieve a distinction.
“Her journey is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right support and a positive mindset.”
Amy also hopes her experience will encourage others to consider apprenticeships, particularly those looking to retrain or change careers later in life.
“I think there can be a misconception about apprenticeships and age, but there really isn’t a limit,” she added. “If the opportunity is there, go for it. With the right support, you can achieve more than you think.”
Amy’s story highlights the positive impact apprenticeships can have in supporting people to develop new skills, build confidence and succeed in their chosen careers — even in the face of significant personal challenges.