Penwith College student Stephanie Trembath from Penzance has come away from the fifth National BTEC Awards with two accolades.

She was named the Outstanding BTEC Student of the Year for Health and Social Care and the overall Outstanding BTEC Student of the Year, as a result of her ongoing excellent achievement in her course and her devotion to developing a career in care.

Stephanie, aged 20, is studying the level three extended diploma in health and social care at Penwith College and is on target to complete the programme with a triple distinction star grade (D*D*D*). This predicted achievement is even more remarkable considering Stephanie combines her studies with working long hours, including night shifts, in community care, assisting vulnerable individuals within their own homes, as well as completing additional courses through her employment to boost her skills and knowledge in areas including end of life care, stroke awareness and nutrition and hydration in care.

Stephanie has completed work experience in a variety of settings, including care homes, hospitals and day care centres, as well as helping with community projects. She said: “I originally decided to study health and social care at level three due to wanting to work with people that are unwell, disabled or vulnerable.

"I have always enjoyed being around people and gaining a better understanding of working and communicating effectively with people from all walks of life and with a variety of health problems. I believe that we are all the same and benefit from a kind word and some human contact regardless of our physical or mental situation.”

Stephanie was nominated for the award by her personal tutor and lecturer, Katie Maggs, who said: “I firmly believe that she is truly such a deserving candidate for this BTEC award. I am so very proud of Stephanie - at such a young age her variety of skills, dedication, determination and motivation towards her personal and academic life truly demonstrates her zest for life and hunger for personal growth. She truly is remarkable in my eyes.”

Stephanie plans to study adult nursing and plans to apply to the Truro Knowledge Spa after gaining as much experience as possible in care.