A pupil from East Kent College has won a prestigious National Apprenticeship award.

Charlotte Carr, 19, won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year in research and development for her apprenticeship with Pfizer in Sandwich.

She was presented with the award at a ceremony in London on Thursday, May 7, by BBC presenter Simon Reeve.

She also won the Upcoming New Talent award, which recognised those who exceeded expectations, demonstrated creativity and innovation, and showed a commitment to developing their skills and knowledge.

Sandra Scatchard, assessor at East Kent College, said: “Charlotte has shown an exceptional determination to make the most of all the opportunities available. Charlotte has an excellent level of knowledge, a thirst for learning and she seeks continuous improvement - a shining example of an apprentice.”

She joined world-renowned pharmaceutical company Pfizer in 2013 on a level three advanced science and laboratory technician apprenticeship and has been making the most of her employment since.

Christina Pattoni, manager at Pfizer, said: “Charlotte’s commitment to her apprenticeship was clear from her initial interview, looking to relocate over 150 miles to make this experience happen. She saw the benefits of an apprenticeship to her overall career and has continually grown as a colleague and shows both technical ability and passion for science over and above expectations. We are incredibly proud of her for winning these two very prestigious awards.”

"Charlotte has an excellent level of knowledge, a thirst for learning and she seeks continuous improvement - a shining example of an apprentice.” - Sandra Scatchard.

Originally from Southampton, Miss Carr took the decision to move to Kent and apply for the college’s apprenticeship programme.

She said: “Southampton didn’t have anything like hub of science available in Sandwich and across east Kent and I knew that if I wanted to succeed I would need to travel. The apprenticeship at Pfizer was the perfect route into the career I wanted and the College, and my employers, have been exceptionally supportive.”