WHEN an academic career at college or university did not appeal to teenager Tom Edwards, he took an unusual route into employment — an apprenticeship with a charity.

And Tom's hard work with the Families and Babies charity paid off when he scooped the North West Apprentice of the Year in Health and Social Care award.

The 17-year-old started as a volunteer with FAB which was set up ten years ago to provide true mother to mother breastfeeding peer support to all antenatal and breastfeeding mothers.

When he decided to leave Turton school, he was offered and apprenticeship working in the Bolton shop of the charity.

He is learning the ropes covering the retail and social care side of the job which he loves.

He picked up his award at the Manchester Museum ceremony as part of North West Adult Learners Week and was delighted with his win.

Tom from Egerton, said: "I was over the moon and didn't really know what to do. I am thrilled to have been chosen as the winner. Having been offered and given training has really given me confidence to go on learning more everyday.

"I took the apprenticeship because it was something new and not the traditional apprenticeship. While I am involved in the retail side at the shops, I am also involved in bringing in money for the charity and I am eager to learn more. I also have the opportunity to meet all sorts of people from all different backgrounds. Without realising it I have become very confident to talking to people but at the same time I am sensitive too and aware of different culture Tonge Moor is a very diverse community.

"You can’t be taught how to deal with people, I have learnt it first hand but with guidance on diversity and cultures and customs from my employers and also from the lovely people I meet everyday who are very kind and talk to me about their religious holidays and cultures."

He now hopes to carry on and get qualifications in retailing.

Laura Roberts, Managing Director of Health Education North West, announced nine award winners for 2015 which reflect the diversity of learning and the range of responsibilities across the Health and Social Care Sector.

Elaine Edwards, Chair of FAB says, ‘We are all very proud and extremely delighted that Tom has won the award. Our charity shops are so much more than retail they provide a service for breastfeeding mums and their families which very much is part and parcel of social care. Tom has proved to be somewhat of a favourite with our customers. He has an eagerness for learning and knowledge but also his sensitivity with dealing with new mums and their families’

This year thousands of people will come together, across the nation, to hear the inspirational stories of adults who have been transformed by their learning experiences; and to see first-hand the positive impact this learning has had on others. Health and social care partners are celebrating and promoting the national learning campaign Adult Learners Week in 2015 through a health and social care awards programme because they know learning is good for people and organisations and they Care about People Who Care.

The event was a result of a collaboration between Health Education North West, North West Employers and Voluntary Sector North West and profiled ordinary people who do amazing things because they Care About Care.