Apprentices’ achievements have been celebrated at the first ceremony of its kind to be held by The Sheffield College.
The Apprenticeship Celebration Awards 2021 have showcased the contribution of the College’s apprentices to employers across a range of sectors including accounting, construction, education, engineering and healthcare.
Andrew Hartley, executive director of commercial and operations, The Sheffield College, said: “Apprentices are the lifeblood of our local and regional economy and are highly valued by employers, which is why it is important to recognise their achievements and contributions.”
He added: “It is clear that our apprentices have played a vital role during the coronavirus pandemic by providing new ideas and skills and supporting business continuity. We are extremely proud of the positive impact that they have had on employers.”
Apprentices, college staff and governors attended the online event on July 21st, 2021, with video testimonials provided by employers. This year’s awards winners are:
- Young Apprentice of the Year – Curt Fowler, Intermediate Engineering Operative Apprentice, Chimo Holdings
- Higher Apprentice of the Year – Rebecca Mather, Higher Healthcare Science Associate Apprentice, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Adult Achievement Award – Maggie Scarano, Advanced Business Administration NVQ Framework Apprentice, Keepmoat Homes
- Employers’ Choice Award – George Ingram, Intermediate Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice, Kier Construction
- Community Champion Award – Emma Driver, Advanced Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprentice, Southall Medical Centre
- Innovation Award – Tom Parker, Higher Operations Manager / Departmental Manager Apprentice, Iceotope
- Outstanding Achievement Award – Alice Hague, Advanced Business Administration Apprentice, University of Sheffield
- Chair of Governors’ Choice Award – Lauren Cooper, Kier Apprentice Programme, Kier Highways
- Employer of the Year – University of Sheffield
One of the award winners, Lauren Cooper, 17, who is an apprentice civil engineer working at Kier Highways, said: “I feel proud and happy to have been nominated for and receive this award.
“I chose this apprenticeship as I saw it as a brilliant opportunity to start my career in civil engineering. It has helped me to develop my skills and confidence in a short space of time and inspired me to go further, achieve more and progress with my career.”
Lauren added: “I’m really enjoying the hands-on experience in the industry and getting involved with so many diverse projects and with the support of so many experienced people. Once I have completed my apprenticeship, I hope to start on the graduate scheme.
“I would like to continue to thrive and develop my career as a civil engineering professional in the Kier Highways team. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering it, as I have really enjoyed my time here so far.”
