In her first-year, Leora won the prestigious ITS (UK) Essay Award for her entry on the use of Intelligent Transport Systems to improve the environmental impact of transport. Leora is the fourth Leeds College of Building student to win the coveted accolade over the last five years.
Leora’s essay was rated top by the judges, who noted how her submission was well-referenced and contained a range of ideas. Leora wrote about changing behaviour by gaining public support, using technology such as real time information and smart ticketing to make public transport more attractive to use, and the importance of ITS in the implementation of Low Emission and Clean Air Zones.
Leora said:
“Being autistic, I knew I never wanted to go to university as I am a really hands-on person and like to have a good structure in place. My apprenticeship provides me with just that […] I want to give back to society and show how amazing apprenticeships are and help change the perception about apprenticeships being seen as a lesser option than going to university.”
By her second year, Leora won ‘Advanced Apprentice of the Year’ in the London regional final of the National Apprenticeships Awards 2022. As a result, Leora was automatically entered in the National Apprenticeship Awards 2022 finals which took place at a special London ceremony.
Now in their 19th year, the National Apprenticeship Awards are England’s biggest apprenticeship awards ceremony. The awards recognise the achievements of exceptional apprentices, apprenticeship champions, and apprenticeship employers, and show how apprenticeships have made a real difference to their organisation and careers.
Leora said:
“I was completely lost for words and just had the biggest smile on my face for the rest of the day, and week! I am really excited […] to continue spreading the message about how amazing apprenticeships are!”
Leora collected her award alongside Mott MacDonald Principal Transport Planner and line manager, Sarah Crane, and Principal Transport Planner and Transport Lead for Sports and Major Events at Mott MacDonald, Tom Fussell.
Sarah said:
“Leora has been involved in a number of exciting projects at Mott MacDonald as part of her apprenticeship including transport planning for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, completing a transport assessment for new developments in Wales and several Travel Plans. She is also Global Early Career Professionals Lead for the Transport Planning Practice.”
