Some of the nation’s top apprentices came together with leading apprenticeship employers at the National Apprenticeship Awards in London this week.
Six organisations, three promising trainees and a former apprentice were honoured at a glittering ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House on Tuesday (26 January).
Excellence across the board
Now in their 12th year, the awards recognise excellence among businesses that boost their workforce by offering apprenticeship schemes, and the students they employ who have made a significant contribution to their workplace.
More than 1,200 applicants in 10 categories were whittled down, with winners representing a range of sectors and coming from all across the country.
Nadhim Zahawi MP, the prime minister’s Apprenticeship Adviser, presented the awards. He said: “The Prime Minister has set a commitment of three million apprenticeship starts by 2020 and I am excited to have a role in helping to deliver this goal, while pushing to revolutionise the skills of our workforce in Britain.
Chances to aim high
“Good quality apprenticeships create a fairer society by giving hard working young people the chance to aim for their dream job whilst playing their part in building a stronger economy for Britain.
“There are many examples of excellent apprenticeships and apprentices in England and these winners are the best of the best. It’s an honour to have been part of these awards; to play a small part in recognising the effort of so many great businesses and to reward apprentices for their hard work and dedication.
“All this year’s winners should shout from the rooftops about what taking an apprenticeship has done for them or what hiring an apprentice has done for their business.”
The event also marked the publication of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list, compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds. It recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.
