A SINGLE mother from York has won praise after she completed an apprenticeship while in employment in the city.

Abbigale Power, of Foxwood, is mother to Ava, three, and Ethan, six, and left Lowfield School in Acomb without any formal qualifications, but has worked at Acer Guest House for the past three years.

She said: “I left school and got straight into a job and wanted to be earning money, which I do regret.

‘‘I wish I had done my qualifications, but you can still get them at this age.

‘‘It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’ve worked in hotels since I left school and I enjoy it.”

Abbigale, 32, completed the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Hospitality, Food and Beverage over twelve months, thanks to about £7,000 Government funding provided by Working Links.

Abbigale said the apprenticeship had helped her in and out of work and made her think more about her childrens’ future.

She said: “Ethan is very proud of me, that’s what I’m trying to do.

‘‘I need to teach them from a young age to be responsible and that they have to work.

‘‘I’m going to encourage them to stick with school and I’ve even been getting Ethan some private lessons to help him out.

‘‘I definitely want them to stay in school and do well for themselves, not do what I did.

“It’s been challenging but I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been really good for me.

‘‘I feel like I’ve really come on well and got a lot of confidence with doing it.”

Karen Allen, who owns and runs the Acer, said: “I knew that Abbigale was capable of achieving this formal qualification if she was provided with the opportunity and some support.

“Abbigale had to work extremely hard and sometimes way out of her comfort zone in order to pass.

‘‘Her self-confidence and self-belief have grown out of all recognition as a result of successfully undertaking this education.

‘‘This new found confidence spills over into all aspects of her life.”

A special presentation of Abbigale’s certificate was held at the Acer last week.