Eve's journey to becoming this year’s winner started when she was chosen by Durham County Council to represent them at the event.
This years’ Local Government Apprentice of the Year winner is Eve Hind, a level 3 Business Service Apprentice at Durham County Council. Eve started her apprenticeship in September 2024 as she liked the idea of combining work experience with practical learning.
When the chance to participate in the event arose, Eve put herself forward to gain experience in an environment that would push her outside of her comfort zone.
I was so happy by the end of the event. I felt like I ha accomplished so much even just with building my confidence which was the reason I participated in the event”
Eve Hind, Durham County Council
As the event got started Eve recalls how she felt nervous, however this feeling quickly passed thanks to the welcoming support from those facilitating the event. Throughout the day Eve embraced all the challenges set for her and the rest of her team. Although this year’s theme of ‘housing’ was a topic she wasn’t familiar with, she didn’t let this deter her. By the end of the event, she found she actually enjoyed researching the topic and felt confident in sharing her thoughts and views with the rest of her group.
When reflecting on how the event went, Eve recalls how it was the group discussions that were her favourite part of the day. She relays how she felt she had ample opportunity to showcase her strengths to the rest of the team as well as encouraging others to get involved and share their views. According to Eve, she also felt that the team built such strong connections with each other and that they weren’t just team members but had also become friends.
“I felt that within my team we all became friends very
quickly everyone got on and it was a lovely atmosphere” EveHind, Durham County Council
According to Eve, her attendance at the event has reinforced that you shouldn’t be scared to try things which may be outside of your comfort zone. She feels that this belief in herself has already helped her back in the workplace with day-today tasks which she previously may have had hesitations about. As such, as Eve now continues her apprenticeship journey, she feels that the event has made her believe in herself more and given her a new found confidence.
When asked if she would recommend the event to other local government apprentices, she said, “Yes – this event is such a good experience” and when asked what advice she would give them, she said, “to have fun” and to “remember everyone else is in the same boat so don’t be nervous or worried”.