Melissa Hannah: Laying the Foundation for a Culture of Learning

Nominated by apprentice Melanie White, we are delighted to announce that Melissa Hannah of Watkin Jones has won our Mentor of the Year Award for 2024.

Melissa’s role as a mentor at Watkin Jones has profoundly impacted the lives of many apprentices, guiding them through their learning journeys with unwavering support and dedication. This award highlights her exceptional contributions to the success of her mentees and their programmes.

Melissa mentors both Level 3 and Level 5 management apprentices at the housebuilder Watkin Jones. Her approach to mentorship is characterised by her willingness to go above and beyond for her learners. Her commitment to ensuring that each learner receives the necessary support is unparalleled.

Intec tutor Jim Owens has seen how Melissa’s support has been instrumental in the success of apprenticeships at Watkin Jones. ‘Melissa’s enthusiasm for learning ensures that apprentices receive the best support from their employer. She takes care to understand the barriers that apprentices face and works hard to overcome these challenges. She is largely responsible for keeping all learners on programme, with all either meeting or exceeding their targets.’

‘Melissa was also kind enough to deliver a session on Learning and Development during one of the Level 5 workshops. Apprenticeships are vocational, and understanding the context of learning within the apprentices’ workplace helps them to get the most out of their programme.’

Melissa's mentorship has been transformative. One of the key outcomes of professional development is confidence. Melanie White, who nominated Melissa, was initially hesitant to undertake her apprenticeship: ‘It’s hard not to believe in yourself when a positive force such as Melissa believes in you. I genuinely believe Melissa doesn’t even realise the strength and courage her mentoring skills have given me. She coached me through my anxieties, worries, and stress during a particularly tough time I was having with my English and maths. I hope she knows that because of her, my confidence has soared.’

Melissa’s efforts to empower her mentees extend beyond emotional support, as she actively ensures they can balance their coursework with their full-time jobs, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Melissa Hannah embodies the essence of an exceptional mentor. Her dedication, understanding, and positive influence have not only enabled apprentices to navigate their programmes successfully but have also instilled a sense of confidence and empowerment. Melissa's nomination for the Mentor of the Year Award 2024 is a testament to her contributions to the apprenticeship programme at Watkin Jones. Her story is an example of how dedicated mentorship can profoundly impact individuals' careers and lives, reinforcing the significance of mentor roles within apprenticeship programmes.

Congratulations, Melissa!