A former Oasis Academy Lister Park student has been named West Yorkshire Apprentice of the Year 2025.

Janka Brabcova is now a digital marketing apprentice at BDCU Credit Union, where she leads campaigns to promote financial education and community empowerment.

Jules Millar, principal at Oasis Academy Lister Park, said: “We are incredibly proud of Janka.

“She embodies the courage and compassion we aim to nurture in every student.

“Her work at BDCU is not only helping people save and borrow responsibly, but also building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Ms Brabcova, who is deaf and from Bradford’s Eastern European community, has used her experiences to advocate for financial education and digital access.

Her work has helped BDCU grow its membership to more than 11,000 people, with savings totalling £6.5 million and community loans reaching £4.3 million.

She recently returned to her former school to speak to students about financial education and the value of saving.

Dave Parr, CEO of Oasis UK Group, said: “Janka’s story is a brilliant example of what happens when young people are given the tools to thrive.

“At Oasis, we believe that education should empower students to lead change in their communities.”