Littlehampton saleswoman hailed as top employee

In the face of competition from thousands of candidates, from hundreds of different businesses in numerous industries nationwide, the 20-year-old, who works at Thomson travel agents (TUI), in High Street, Littlehampton, was awarded the title Employee Learner of the Year at the City and Guilds’ Lion Awards.

Hannah, a former apprentice at the travel store, was left speechless, as she went to collect her award from guest host and star of The One Show and Strictly Come Dancing, Alex Jones, at a ceremony held in London.

Hannah said: “Winning a Lion Award is such a great achievement, I just couldn’t believe it.

“It will help me to further my career and show future employers my motivation and drive to be the best I can be.

“In the future, I hope to stay in the travel industry with TUI, working my way up to more challenging roles within the company.”

The awards, now in their 10th year, celebrate the country’s most inspiring achievers, who have accomplished extraordinary results through various apprenticeship schemes and practical learning courses.

The ceremony is the culmination of City and Guilds’ coveted Medals for Excellence regional awards programme, which has run every year since 1879. This year saw an impressive 109 apprentices and tutors winning a medal, with Hannah becoming one of just 14 to receive a Lion Award.

During her time as an apprentice in Littlehampton, Hannah excelled, completing her training seven and a half months ahead of schedule.

She was recognised for consistently impressing course leaders with her confidence in using her own initiative, her willingness to help and her enthusiasm to take on additional responsibilities.

She also became one of the Littlehampton branch’s top saleswoman, despite being an apprentice at the time. Hannah’s manager, Holly Van Zundert, said: “I have had many apprentices over the past 12 years but Hannah has really shown a ‘can do’ attitude and has become a strong member of my team. She is truly amazing and so dedicated. We’re all so proud of her.”

Kathryn Ward, director of retail for TUI UK and Ireland, the company which runs Thomson, added that Hannah was a credit to the company and that she had a very bright future ahead of her.