NAS: Region’s Apprenticeship talent set to compete for national honours
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Nick Wilson, regional director for the National Apprenticeship Service in Yorkshire and the Humber: With the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards now just under three weeks away, the excitement and tension is already building for the two local employers who will represent Yorkshire and the Humber at the event and compete for the top honours. Sheffield-based dental practice, Michael & Margaret Naylor & Associates and Bramall Construction in Rotherham are the region’s contenders for the ‘Small Employer of the Year’ and ‘Large Employer of the Year’ accolades respectively, at the national awards held in London on July 15th. The companies were shortlisted by a national judging panel, having recently triumphed at the regional Apprenticeship Awards held in Leeds and organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). Before we look ahead to the national awards, I’d first like to take this opportunity to congratulate all seven employers and apprentices who received regional Apprenticeship Awards and illustrate the wealth of Apprenticeship talent we have across the region. On a truly memorable evening, the following winners were presented with their awards at Leeds Town Hall in front of over 350 apprentices, employers, business leaders and political figures from across the region: Small Employer of the Year – Michael and Margaret Naylor Associates in Sheffield The firm has dental practices in Sheffield and Rotherham, 37 employees and employs six NVQ Level 3 Oral Health apprentices. It was commended by the regional panel of judges for the infrastructure it has in place to support and train apprentices, and its ability to offer all apprentices excellent progression throughout the organisation. Medium Employer of the Year – Fosters Bakery in Barnsley The company employs three apprentices in areas such as business administration, bakery and engineering and provides its Apprenticeships in partnership with Barnsley College. The judges felt that Fosters Bakery has consistently demonstrated a commitment to Apprenticeships, offers excellent support, learning opportunities and career progression. The panel also praised the company for recognising apprentices as key to its business success and for increasing skill levels across the UK. Large Employer of the Year – Bramall Construction in Rotherham The company employs 58 apprentices nationwide in areas such as carpentry, joinery and bricklaying. It was praised by judges for making Apprenticeships the lifeblood of its business and for offering opportunities – particularly to less advantaged groups – allowing them to really turn their lives around. The company’s 18 year old apprentice, Jake Seddon is completing a Plastering Apprenticeship at Barnsley College and was highly commended within the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category. Macro Employer of the Year – North Yorkshire County Council The council employs over 100 apprentices each year in areas such as ICT, health and social care, customer services, youth work and other local services. The strong partnership approach and exemplary model utilised by North Yorkshire County Council greatly impressed the judges, who felt that the organisation really used the Apprenticeship programme to make a difference – offering good progression opportunities and infrastructure to support apprentices. Young Apprentice of the Year – Uzma Zahid (16) from Bradford Uzma is currently completing a Retail Apprenticeship through her employer, Marks and Spencer and is also receiving her training at Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College. The judges commended the outstanding progress she is making in a range of skills and were impressed that her drive and ambition had let to her managers offering her a full time job. Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Samuel Buckley (21) from Hull Sam has completed an Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship and Higher Professional Diploma qualification through Hull Training and his local employer, Ideal Boilers. The judges felt he exceeded all expectations with his high level of job awareness and effort. They believe he is yielding good benefits for his employer, by making excellent progress and playing a key part in many work projects. He is regarded as an exceptional apprentice and a real role model for others. Apprentice of the Year – Stephen Johnson (20) from Scarborough Stephen is completing an Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship through his employer, North Bay Railway Company and his training provider, Yorkshire Rail Academy. The judges commended Stephen’s passion for his job, his effort over and above the requirements of his Apprenticeship, and the significant contribution he makes to increasing revenue for his employer, the North Bay Railway Company. It’s been a tough year for businesses and the economy, but the regional and forthcoming national awards have given Apprenticeships the chance to shine – showing that they are key to growth during the economic upturn and are the lifeblood of the economy. All the finalists and winners have demonstrated what makes Apprenticeships so successful, not only in Yorkshire and the Humber but throughout England. As the spotlight now turns to the national awards, I’d like to wish both Michael & Margaret Naylor & Associates and Bramall Construction the best of luck for July 15th. I’m sure everyone connected with Apprenticeships across Yorkshire and the Humber will be keeping their fingers firmly crossed! To find out more about the National Apprenticeship Awards or Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600.
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