Award recognition for Teesside University apprenticeship student

An award-winning apprenticeship student credits her time at Teesside University as helping her to achieve academic and professional success.

Amy Norton was recently named Degree Apprentice of the Year 2026 at the North East Apprenticeship Awards, which recognises the outstanding apprenticeship network thriving across the region.

Currently working for South Tyneside Council, and based in Rowlands Gill in Tyneside, Amy completed the Level 7 Senior People Professional Apprenticeship (MA HR Management) at Teesside University.

Amy said: “I really wanted to challenge myself and continue developing professionally by gaining not only a recognised master’s degree, but also the opportunity to apply that learning in practice, which is something the apprenticeship supported brilliantly.

“The chance to achieve Chartered CIPD status as part of the Level 7 Senior People Professional programme was a huge motivator and an incredible opportunity.”

Amy completed her studies while working as an Organisational Development Advisor for South Tyneside Council.

She said: “I completed the course through a blended learning model, which gave me fantastic opportunities to connect and network with other apprentices from a wide range of sectors, all sharing a similar passion for HR.

“I gained so much from both my fellow classmates and the lecturers, whose support and expertise were invaluable throughout the journey. I'll be forever grateful to South Tyneside Council for supporting me to do this apprenticeship.”

During her apprenticeship studies, Amy sought the support of the University’s disability support services team, as she found herself struggling a little while balancing study with work.

Amy said: “I sought support from the University’s disability team and was diagnosed with dyslexia within my first semester. The support I have since received from the team, particularly my advisor Jen, has been exceptional.

“It also confirmed something I had long suspected but previously kept to myself, and this experience has significantly increased both my confidence and my understanding of the support I need to succeed academically and professionally.”

Amy added: “As a result, I joined the Disability Apprentice Network and have since had the opportunity to represent both myself and other disabled apprentices at roundtable discussions in Westminster, sharing lived experiences with MPs and members of the House of Lords to help influence change at the highest level.”

She also cites her studies as widening her horizons, adding: “Through the opportunities provided by Teesside University, I spent a month on a summer programme in Brazil, which greatly enhanced my understanding of different workplace cultures while providing invaluable personal experiences.

“Completing the course has increased my confidence and it also challenged me professionally to think more critically and stretch beyond my comfort zone, particularly when engaging with complex organisational issues.

“I was absolutely gobsmacked to win the award as North East Degree Apprentice of the Year 2026. It made me feel that all the hard work was worth it, and to be recognised on a regional level was genuinely amazing.

“When I was accepting my award, I highlighted that employers, training providers, and managers and colleagues all need to do more to ensure disabled people have the opportunities and support they need to flourish.

“I'm looking forward to enjoying the summer once my End Point Assessment is complete and hopefully taking a holiday to have a break after two and a half years of studying while working full-time. I will also continue to advocate for disabled people and apprentices to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to succeed.

“My advice for anyone thinking of starting an apprenticeship is to not doubt yourself and go for it! There is so much support available from your mentor, training provider, and fellow apprentices. It’s a great opportunity to learn both on and off the job, and the opportunities it can provide are endless."

The awards ceremony was attended by apprentices, training providers, and businesses dedicated to championing apprenticeships across the North East region.

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