Why it matters: Gemma, who works for Sizewell C, was recognised for her trailblazing efforts to promote engineering and STEM careers to other girls and women, having met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last year to discuss women in the industry.
The details: The awards ceremony, held at Chefs' Whites restaurant, saw ten category winners celebrated as part of National Apprenticeship Week, a government-led campaign designed to put apprenticeships in the spotlight.
She also picked up Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the event.
"I was grateful to be put forward for this. I do a lot for women in STEM, and so does Sizewell C," she said. "Last year I met the Prime Minister, and it was great for a woman in the industry to have their photo spread far and wide. We discussed how I came into the industry."
"On winning the overall apprentice of the year, I'd say it's overwhelming. I didn't expect it. I've had so much support around me to help me get this award - so I'm very grateful."
The reunion: Among the other winners was 19-year-old Jane Thorp from Leiston, who picked up electrical apprentice of the year. Jane and Gemma attended the same primary school, St Mary's in Benhall, and had not seen each other for ten years before reuniting at the awards ceremony.
Like Gemma, Jane has been a trailblazer in promoting electrical careers to females. In addition to her Electrical Apprentice of the Year award, the teenager also won the SPARKS Female Skills Winner 2023 and the Suffolk Joint Construction Committee's top building apprentice of the year.
Other winners: Jack Ryall, 18, from Framlingham, who is the first person in his family to work in farming, received the agricultural apprentice of the year accolade.
What they're saying: Daniel King, director of apprenticeships at Suffolk New College, who hosted the event, said: "I extend my admiration to every single one of you. Our commitment to supporting individuals and businesses in developing skills for the future remains unwavered. Congratulations to all award winners and thanks to our sponsors Concertus and S&P UK Ventilation."
Kerry Briggs from Concertus, one of two key sponsors who design and manage the build of buildings, said: "Suffolk New College are an Ipswich-based company and we try very hard to support Suffolk. We have apprentices ourselves, I was an apprentice that studied at the college 42 years ago and I find them more vocational, you learn on the job, get qualifications and experience."
Lee Reynolds, business development executive from S&P UK Ventilation, the other key sponsor, said: "We recently took on two apprentices and we are fully invested in training local youth and giving them opportunities in the future."
The prizes: All winners received a trophy, a power pack and £150. Moss and runner-up Nathan Berry, 19, from Framlingham, who also picked up construction apprentice of the year, received an additional £150.
Music at the event was provided by George Eales and Violet Florence.
The bottom line: The awards highlighted the growing success of apprentices across Suffolk, particularly young women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries such as engineering and electrical work.
