A female chemical analyst apprentice has scooped the overall winner award at the Glasgow Modern Apprentice Awards.

Emma O’Halloran, an apprentice chemical analyst with Glasgow Scientific Services, was chosen out of 32 entries to secure the top prize at the awards ceremony at the Trades House of Glasgow on Tuesday night.

Ms O’Holloran was presented with an inscribed trophy that will remain on display in the Trades Hall, and she also received a cheque for £1,000 and an inscribed Quaich.

When she left school, Ms O’Holloran faced many challenges when adapting to college life, such as a tough schedule and being away from her twin sister for the first time.

However, after overcoming these initial blocks, she now enjoys conducting workshops for schoolchildren and undertaking public speaking.

She regularly attends STEM events and visits secondary schools to encourage children’s participation in STEM subjects.

The second prize and a cheque for £500 went to Andrew Shields, a modern apprentice in engineering with Rolls-Royce

While Charlene Bonnar, an apprentice engineer with Stannah Lift Services, was awarded third prize and a cheque for £250.

Deacon Convener of Trades House, Tom McInally, said: “The Glasgow Modern Apprentice Awards 2019 has revealed many inspiring and uplifting stories, with apprentices showing incredible commitment to overcome personal and professional challenges.

“Trades House has supported people in education since it was formed in 1605.

“The GMAA and other projects in the Education Festival offer initiatives for pre-school children through to apprentices.”

Two further awards, sponsored by the Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow, for Community Engagement and Overcoming Difficulties were awarded along with cheques for £500.

Ross Walsh, a technical apprentice with Morris & Spottiswood, was awarded the Community Engagement.

He was also presented with the Scottish Building Contractor’s Association Fund Award for Best Candidate in the Construction Industry.

The Overcoming Difficulties award was presented to two individuals this year.

The joint winners were Mark Donnelly, an apprentice electrician with BAE Systems and Carrieann Irvine, an apprentice with Family Action in Rogerfield & Easterhouse (FARE).

Mark was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 20, but has been determined not to let this impact on his life or apprenticeship.

Carrieann has battled to improve her confidence levels, making huge steps forward in her studies and career.