Talented apprentices and employers helping to create dynamic apprenticeship schemes in the region were among those honoured at an awards ceremony in Leeds last night.
The Leeds Apprenticeship Awards saw Karen Atkinson, who is close to finishing a diploma in social care for children and young people, win the Against All Odds accolade. Karen is a foster carer to two children and also has a family of her own, so she has had to fit in the commitment to the diploma around the needs of the children.
Training provider JHP Training said she has worked hard to do this, showing “exceptional development” since starting in late 2011.
Employers which scooped awards at the event included Morley MOT & Service Centre, document management firm Arena Group, languages services specialist thebigword, NG Bailey, law firm Gordons and BAM Construction.
Rachel Appleby from telecommunications firm O2 won the award for Higher Apprentice of the Year, while Sarah Garnett, also of O2, Paul Stevens, from Keepmoat and Emma Chilton from Unilever were handed awards for Advanced Apprentice of the Year.
Dionne Flemming, of East North East Homes Leeds, Daniel Marsay, of Morrison FS, and Lee Spark, from BAM construction, were named Intermediate Apprentices of the Year.
Coun Adam Ogilvie, Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for skills, said: “The apprenticeship awards are an excellent way for the city to celebrate our top apprentices and businesses that are playing such a key role to drive skills in the city.
“The calibre of entries has been very high and it is great to see so many people involved. I would like to congratulate all the winners, but also everyone who was nominated, for this fantastic achievement.
“As a city we are completely committed to apprentices, with over 14,000 apprenticeships having been created in Leeds over the last two years. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of providing people with a new set of skills and knowledge. They offer an employer a good opportunity to employ and develop local talent.”
The ceremony was held at the Leeds Civic Hall. Partners included Leeds City Council, Leeds College of Building, Leeds City College and the National Apprenticeship Service.
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