University of Staffordshire alumna Sophie Galantini has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of the Business Awards.

Sophie, who graduated in Media Production in 2011, is now the General Manager at Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn in Brewood. She was previously Operations Manager at the independent coffee shop chain BEAR.

Sophie said: “It’s amazing to be nominated for the University of Staffordshire Business Awards. I really appreciate it. It’s amazing even to be considered. I’d love to be up for an award.

“I had a really good rapport with the tutor who has put me forward. She really supported me throughout my degree. I graduated with first class honours. I wouldn’t have that without her.”

Sophie has been nominated by Victoria Rosamond, her tutor on the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at University of Derby.

Victoria said: “Supported by her workplace mentor and driven by her own proactive engagement, Sophie has developed into a highly capable, thoughtful and professionally confident manager. Her portfolio demonstrates strong business acumen, creativity, operational competence, and reflective depth.

“Sophie embodies the values and impact of the CMDA programme. Her academic excellence, professional achievement across two organisational contexts, leadership maturity and reflective capability make her a truly deserving candidate for Apprentice of the Year.”