Staffordshire apprentices celebrated during National Apprenticeship Week

Apprentices from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have been recognised for their  achievements in business at a special awards ceremony as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

The Apprenticeship Recognition Awards, organised by Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) saw 12 apprentices recognised for their outstanding achievements and contributions to their organisations.  The event was held at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters in Yarnfield on Tuesday 4 March 2014.

Ken Stepney, Chair of the Enterprise and Skills Group on Stoke-on-Trent and  Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership presented the winners with their awards. He said:

“Apprenticeship growth is one of the top priorities for the LEP and will be key to our future success. Our Apprenticeship Recognition Awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate all our apprentices and the real difference they are making in their businesses. They also allow our local partnership to showcase the real business benefits of recruiting apprentices.

“This is our third awards now and I am still amazed with the breadth of entries we receive, which makes our job as judges very difficult. There are some wonderful examples amongst our winners who have made a real and significant difference to their company, as well as highlighting those firms leading the way in promoting apprenticeships.

The Awards were presented to those apprentices making a real difference in their organisation, whether bringing in new ideas and energy, introducing new ways of doing things, or helping to come up with new products and services.

Award winners, their employers, category and level of apprenticeship are as follows:

• Rebecca Pursglove, The Best Chocolate Company (SME), Intermediate Apprenticeship.

• Chloe Humphreys, ADGIFTSONLINE Limited (SME), Advanced Apprenticeship.

• Matthew Forrester, Ageas Insurance Solutions (Large Employer), Advanced Apprenticeship.

• Marnie Taylor, Richard Swanscote Associates (SME), Advanced Apprenticeship.

• Hannah Bladon, Stafford Borough Council, Intermediate Apprenticeship.

• Kieran Barker, Floral Hall (SME), Intermediate Apprenticeship.

• Robert Leach, Remploy (Large Employer), Advanced Apprenticeship.

• Josh Sheldon, Tungate Print and Packaging (SME), Advanced Apprenticeship.

• Matt Collins, IDE Systems Limited (SME)

• Brian Burden, West Midlands Ambulance Service (Large Employer), Advanced Apprenticeship.

• Stephen Keeling, Blackfriars School (SME), Intermediate Apprenticeship.

• Harry Jones, Orbital Gas Systems Limited (SME), Advanced Apprenticeship.

To find out more about apprenticeships or taking on an apprentice, call the Apprenticeship and Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002.