Silentnight New Product Developer Chelsea Parker has received distinction in her HNC in Furniture Design and Make at UCLan Burnley - and is determined to increase her skills and knowledge still further.

Chelsea (24), from Earby, is a key member of the new product innovation team at Silentnight, one of the country’s biggest bed manufacturers. She started her career there as a Themis Apprentice in 2011, manufacturing mattresses, and is focussed on developing her prospects within the Barnoldswick-based business through further degree-level study.

Chelsea, a former West Craven High School student, said: “Design has always been my strong point. I studied art and design at Craven College straight after finishing school.

“I chose the apprenticeship route because it offered me a wide range of opportunities and the potential to shape my own future in the work environment.”

She chose to complete her Higher Apprenticeship at UCLan Burnley due to its high pass rates and great teaching facilities and says it was the right decision. “The support I received while studying at UCLan Burnley was great: all my tutors were more than keen to help me when I was struggling. They also took a lot of interest in my future plans and nominated me for awards for the effort I put into my studying.”

High-achiever Chelsea has previously been awarded a City and Guilds Medal for Excellence and a Lancashire Business Award for her outstanding work.

To follow Chelsea on the Apprenticeship route, visit www.burnley.ac.uk/themis or call 01282 733005 for more information. To boost your job prospects through the degree or higher qualification route, visit our website at www.burnley.ac.uk/UCLan or call 01282 475500.