We are thrilled to share that Rachel McCracken, an Accounting Apprentice at Runshaw College, has been named a finalist in the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year category at the 2025 Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards.
Rachel joined our Finance team in September 2023 and has impressed colleagues with her professionalism, dedication, and rapid development. After studying Level 2 and 3 Hair and Media Makeup at Runshaw and spending a year at university studying Special Effects Makeup and Prosthetics Design, Rachel made the bold decision to change career paths and return to Runshaw to pursue accounting.
Rachel shared: “ I wanted to apply for an apprenticeship as it was the best route for me to get into the industry, given that I didn’t have A Levels or a finance-related BTEC. I really loved Runshaw from my first open day and throughout my time here as a student, so when I saw the opportunity to return and complete an apprenticeship in accounting, I jumped at the chance.”
Initially a nervous new starter, even scripting phone calls to suppliers, Rachel has grown into a confident, capable team member, leading projects like streamlining software licensing with our IT team and training new requisitioners. She has also contributed widely across the college, volunteering for exam invigilation and promoting apprenticeships in marketing campaigns. Her positive attitude earned her a nomination for the “Living Runshaw Values – Respect” award at the 2024 Staff Awards.
Darren Watkins, Head of Finance, said: “In 18 months, Rachel has gone from a quiet newcomer to a confident, capable and impressive young lady who has earned the respect of her colleagues in the team and the wider College. It’s a privilege to have her as part of the team, and I hope she continues to flourish with us for years to come!”
Reflecting on her apprenticeship, Rachel said: “I love how supportive everyone is here. Working alongside experienced colleagues has taught me valuable workplace skills you wouldn’t get from studying alone. An apprenticeship is hard work, but incredibly rewarding.”
Rachel’s hard work has been instrumental in the decision to continue her training through AAT Level 3, with exciting conversations already underway about her future career. We are immensely proud of all she has achieved and delighted to see her recognised among Lancashire’s top apprentices.
Speaking about her nomination, Rachel said: “I’m very grateful to Runshaw and to my managers, Darren and Tracey, for nominating me. Dropping out of university and changing careers was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, but moments like this make it all worth it. I’m privileged to experience this alongside such great people.”
🏆 The Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards take place on 15th May at Preston North End, and we’ll be cheering her on every step of the way. No matter the outcome, Rachel – you’re already a star in our eyes.
Useful Links
- Congratulations to Rachel McCracken, Finalist in the 2025 Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards
- Double victory for Economics students in Next-Gen Competition!
- Runshaw’s IT Services Team aimed for the stars… and go beyond what they thought was possible
- Law students come third nationally in Bar Mock Trial
- Colleges across the North West take part in Strongest Student competition
