Ashleigh Peters has been named the University of the West of Scotland’s Business Management Graduate Apprenticeship Student of the Year, recognising her outstanding achievements in work-based learning while balancing full-time work and family life.
A dedicated Planning and Performance Officer from South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), Ashleigh is currently in the final stages of her honours degree. She was recognised by UWS for her outstanding commitment, academic excellence and ability to apply her learning to make a real-world impact in health and social care.
The award is a significant recognition of Ashleigh’s achievements as she balances full-time employment with her studies – all while raising a young family. Having started her apprenticeship three and a half years ago, she is now working towards completing her dissertation and is set to graduate later this year.
Ashleigh said: “It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. There have been plenty of late nights and busy weekends, but it’s all been worth it.
“Studying business management has given me a deeper understanding of leadership, change management and how to implement projects effectively in a real-world setting.”
Ashleigh’s studies allowed her to apply for and be successful for a promotion to her current role in April 2024. She added: “I’ve already been able to apply what I’ve learned directly in my new role, which has been a great motivator.
“I’m really proud to be recognised by the university – and even more proud that my husband Graeme and our kids, Harrison and Amelia, have been right beside me through it all. They’re so supportive, and it meant the world to have Graeme at the awards ceremony.”
Ashleigh’s apprenticeship, delivered through a blend of on-campus and online learning at the UWS Lanarkshire campus, has supported her in building both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in a complex and evolving sector.
In her role, Ashleigh plays a vital part in aligning local planning and performance efforts with the broader organisational goals set out in the Strategic Commissioning Plan. Her ability to bridge performance, quality assurance and resource management has already made a lasting impression.
Colette Brown, Planning and Performance Manager, praised Ashleigh’s contribution. She said: “We are all extremely proud of Ashleigh and delighted to see her hard work recognised with this well-deserved award.
“She’s applied her learning with confidence and maturity – helping to drive forward our priorities and improve the way we work. Her promotion earlier this year is a testament to her growth and there’s no doubt she has a bright future in leadership ahead of her.”
Johnny Mone, University of the West of Scotland Head of Business Innovation added: “We extend our sincere congratulations to Ashleigh on her award. Her achievements in Workplace Learning underscore its strategic importance to UWS, providing a crucial pathway for us to understand and effectively respond to the demands of industry.”
The Graduate Apprenticeship programme has proven to be a transformative opportunity for Ashleigh, equipping her with the tools to take on more senior responsibilities, contribute strategically and explore new avenues in her career.
