The training academy’s young people scooped five of the eight awards for apprentices at the glittering finals in June – and a further three were Highly Commended.
In addition, two Rotherham businesses The Source provides with apprentices celebrated wins.
Micky Arter, head of IT at Candlelight Products in Aldwarke was named South Yorkshire’s Mentor of The Year for going above and beyond in passing on his lifelong passion for IT.
Property lettings specialists Yorkshire Accommodation Bureau Ltd (YAB) won the Diversity and Inclusion award. The multi-cultural company on Wellgate has given many people a start in life via training and apprenticeships.
Tricia Smith, CEO of The Source, said: “We are hugely proud. Our talented apprentices, and two businesses we support, won seven of the 13 categories. Many more of our apprentices were finalists.
“This success is validation of their talent and dedication, and of The Source’s expertise in nurturing apprentices and understanding what employers need.
“We support people right the way through the apprenticeship process, helping them gain qualifications and confidence before skillfully matching them with businesses. Then our tutors are with them throughout their learning journey.”
Health & Public Service Apprentice of the Year went to Emma Driver, who began as business admin apprentice on reception at Sothall Medical Centre. She wanted to do more for patients in the pandemic, conquering a phobia of needles and took a second apprenticeship to qualify as a nurse support worker within 14 months.
Evie Concannon, of Rotherham fashion emporium Yella Brick Road, was named Intermediate Apprentice of the Year.
The pandemic had affected Evie badly, leaving her housebound with agoraphobia, but she overcame and became Yella’s creative and digital wizard and the face of the brand on its website and social media.
Winner of the Rising Star award was Chloe Anne Carnall. She didn’t let Asperger’s Syndrome and a severe hearing problem deter her when she began a business admin apprenticeship with Carterknowle & Dore Medical Practice.
Chloe discovered a passion for healthcare and now has her sights on university in her quest to become a paramedic.
Tom Cutts won IT and Digital Marketing Apprentice of the Year for his phenomenal IT skills, which helped the Sheffield logistics company he joined to grow and successfully launch sister business Cloud9 Fulfilment. Tom was made lead developer within a year and the website he built helped Cloud9 hit a multi-million turnover and gain 80 staff within 12 months. He now manages a £100k marketing budget.
Professional Services Apprentice of the Year went to Georgia Walker, of Medical and Legal Admin Services, who is studying for a Level 3 business administrator standard. Since joining in 2019, she has trained and mentored new employees and has risen to the demanding challenges of the company’s bespoke services.
Highly Commended certificates went to Joshua Longden (Candlelight Ltd) in the Intermediate Award, Blenheim Park Estates apprentice Sophia Ward in the IT and Digital Marketing category and Jenny Asquith (Mirage Ltd) in the Higher/ Degree award.
