Learner of the Year

Winner

James Fielder

James Fielder had an established career in the hospitality and tourism industry but lack of confidence and opportunity meant he had no specific qualifications. Towards the end of 2009, James was on notice of redundancy when he heard about the Response to Redundancy programme being run by Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change. From the moment he joined the programme his life began to change for the better. With CN4C support, he has updated his CV and employability skills, passed accredited qualifications and gained significantly in confidence. During eight weeks of sessions he passed CIEH Health and Safety Level 2 and CIEH Food Safety Level 2. With these qualifications to encourage him, James went back to his previous employer and explained what he had been doing since leaving them. This resulted in his re-employment and he went back to work in February 2010.James' employers then offered him the opportunity to take the BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Personal License Holder, which he has completed successfully. In just a few months, James has grown both personally and professionally and that has given him the drive and passion to continue learning and progressing in the hospitality industry.

Highly Commended

Adrian Penwarden

Adrian Penwarden works for the DOVE Project in Camborne, Cornwall. DOVE supports people with learning disabilities and the Cornish service is tailor-made for individuals with complex needs who require care and support 24 hours a day. Adrian joined the project in June 2008 and, from the start, showed great enthusiasm for his job, helping the person he supported to move his life forward. As a result, Adrian was rapidly promoted to Senior Support Worker. Full of enthusiasm, he asked to do an NVQ but, after further promotion to team leader, a variety of setbacks meant that early progress was slow and his confidence was knocked. A change of training provider helped him get back on course. Despite the enormous demands made on him, he managed to keep positive, creative and enthusiastic and, when work began to settle down, he was able to return to his NVQ with renewed vigour.

Achieving Skills for Life in the South West

Winner

Sam Hilly

Sam Hilly joined the Fresh Start course at Weymouth College having had to leave his home in Lewes to begin a new life. Regardless of his personal challenges, he patiently and doggedly continued with his studies and achieved Level 2 qualifications in both literacy and numeracy. Sam has now joined the Personal Best course to gain volunteering qualifications and in September will become a student on the Access course at Weymouth College with the ultimate aim of becoming a virologist or a doctor.

Highly Commended

Brett Preston

Brett is a naturally confident, determined and outgoing young man who left school wanting to do an Apprenticeship and get employment in engineering. With good GCSE grades in Maths and engineering, Brett was offered an Apprenticeship with Rittal CSM in Plymouth. It soon became clear, however, that although Brett was working hard his progress was slow. His tutors referred him for Dyslexia, Scotopic Sensitivity and Visual Stress Assessments which, amongst other things, revealed weaknesses in auditory and visual information processing. Fully supported by his employer, Brett was offered extra sessions with a Dyslexia Support Tutor and, although in Brett’s words these sessions were a ‘nightmare’ at first, he persevered, worked hard and developed a number of strategies to cope. Brett has now realised his ambitions and achieved his Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering, gaining a range of qualifications including a BTEC National Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering, NVQ Level 3 and NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations and Key Skills at Level 2 in Communication, ITC Working With Others and Improving Own Learning.

Inspiring Others in the South West

Winner

Julie Matthews

No formal training in teaching or tutoring has not stopped Julie Matthews from supporting and inspiring others.  Julie works for Chard Intentional Peer Group. Supporting one another, the group undertake learning to help improve their health, confidence and develop new skills in order to progress on to further training or learning. One of the reasons why Julie is so successful in inspiring others to learn is that many years ago she lost both her business and home.  Julie understands the common problems and issues faced by members of the group. She has been a huge driving force and has inspired over thirty learners to participate in a range of learning and volunteering activities as well as securing funding to employ local tutors to deliver a range of courses. From group to individual progression, Julie has played a key role in these success stories through her dedication, commitment and encouragement.

Highly Commended

Vaughan Curnow

Vaughan Curnow is the Work Based Learning Engineering Liaison Officer for Cornwall College Business.  In order to develop a much-needed link between schools and engineering as a future career route, Vaughan introduced the Greenpower Project to Cornish primary and secondary schools which in turn creates vital inroads for companies to work with local schools. Thanks to Vaughan’s efforts, a child can start in primary school building an electric “Goblin” car in which they sit in and drive, progress into secondary school with the Formula 24 car, move into the sixth form or college building the Formula 24+ car and then move onto employment either building a Greenpower corporate Formula 24+ car or supporting local schools. Working in his own time outside of his normal job role, Vaughan has established Cornwall as the largest Greenpower group in the UK with 58 schools taking part - engaging pupils not only educationally but socially. Three pupils have already signed up for engineering Apprenticeships as a direct result of the project.

Learning Against the Odds

Winner

Nigel Guppy

After a 30-year career as a mechanical engineer, Nigel Guppy was made redundant. Around this time he also broke his shoulder, which left him unable to drive. As he has osteoarthritis in the neck and acute dermatitis on his hands, Nigel decided to look for an office-based job in the engineering sector. His IT skills were very basic so he went to Best Training for help and agreed to take an ECDL. Within a couple of months, was asked if he would do some volunteering at Best and help with a number tasks including some tutoring. This was a turning point in Nigel’s life. He realised teaching was a career he really enjoyed and wanted to pursue so he joined Best as a full time member of staff in June 2009. He loves teaching and helping people achieve their goals and has continued his own education - gaining a range of NVQs at Levels 2 and 3 and working towards his A1 Assessor qualification. Nigel says learning has changed his life.

Highly Commended

Joseph Rowland

Joe Rowland has always wanted to be a plumber so when he left school with GCSEs he secured an employer and contacted City College Plymouth for an Apprenticeship in plumbing. However, Joe encountered problems and lost his job and college place in early 2008. Devastated by this, Joe tried to keep himself busy by completing an ICT course and also started working towards an industrial cleaning qualification. Joe re-approached the college who were willing to offer him a place and recommended him to a company that wanted an apprentice with some previous knowledge and skills in plumbing. After some consideration Joe was accepted on a work trial. He is now on target to complete his Level 2 Apprenticeship and is more than keen to progress to Level 3.

Success in Leadership and Management

Winner

Simon Bullingham, The Best of Cheltenham

Six months ago Simon Bullingham, Managing Director of Best of Cheltenham, introduced a programme designed to enhance staff training and the impact has been huge - including increasing his team from 5 to 12. The company, which promotes and sells advertising space to local organisations, has also launched various new services for clients, opened a new office in the Beechwood Shopping Centre and is in the process of building specific training facilities. The Best of Cheltenham’s turnover is forecasted to increase by 60%, more than doubling the total sales figures of the last financial year. With the help of learning provider, Jemtek Solutions Ltd, Simon restructured his staff and employed new key people – thereby allowing him to work on developing the business. Simon has agreed to take on an apprentice and has expanded his premises to include a dedicated training room. The Best of Cheltenham is now recommending the service to their own clients, referring around 40 organisations to the Leadership and Management Advisory Service.

Third Sector of the Year Award

Winner

Compass Disability Services

Compass Disability Services (CDS), Taunton, is a charitable organisation that enables disabled people to have equal opportunity. It recognises the importance of developing the skills of its users and employees; running a number of projects to develop its aims. With the support of ESF funding, a First Steps Pre Employment Training course was launched for 11 disabled people in Somerset. The overall aim was for trainees to feel comfortable in returning to the job market on a paid or voluntary basis in the future. Training opportunities for staff and external organisations include equality and diversity awareness, lone worker safety, deaf and visual awareness training. All CDS staff have at least three sessions a year designed to identify personal development needs and ensure adequate training is offered. In the last two years the charity has also offered Apprenticeships to two younger employees

Train to Gain Employer of the Year

Winners

Medisave UK

The Seafood Restaurant

Medisave, a medical equipment sales company launched in 2000, struggled to succeed for six months before expanding into online sales. It then began to grow rapidly, reaching an annual turnover of £7.5m in 2009, which demanded many more staff than the existing family team. Recognising success would be down to their employees, the company believed exceptional training would be the best policy. Medisave has long standing relationships with local training agencies and colleges and took advantage of Government training initiatives. The company employed an apprentice in each department with the aim of promoting people once qualified. It also began supporting staff through numerous qualifications including NVQ Business Administration and NVQ Customer Services Levels 2 and 3 and carefully designed short courses for all directors, senior managers, managers and supervisors. In 2008 Medisave began enrolling warehouse-based employees on the Train to Gain programme. In 2009, in partnership with Kingston Maurward College, four members of the Medisave management team began NVQ Management Level 3 qualifications and three department supervisors started studying for NVQ Level 2 in Team Leading. Currently over 50% of the company’s employees are enrolled on training programmes - supporting the company philosophy that investing in staff is the secret to success.

Rick Stein’s The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow is one of the largest private company employers in Cornwall with a staff of 248 running the restaurant, bistro, café, fish & chips outlet, deli, patisserie, gift shop, cookery school and 40 guest bedrooms. It recruits 89% of its employees within the county and the aim of its staff training is to assist individuals with their professional skills as well as literacy and numeracy. Employees are encouraged to identify the best development route for themselves and are offered a range of job-related training and development programmes. The Seafood Restaurant’s human resources manager was introduced to training provider, Truro College, three years ago. Since then the best strategies and training methods for company staff have been introduced to great effect including NVQ Level 2 and 3 qualifications in customer service, professional cookery, retail, food and drink service, food processing and cooking and administration, as well as distance learning qualifications, Apprenticeships, advanced Apprenticeships, technical and leadership skills, adult literacy and numeracy skills and other relevant courses to enhance staff expertise. As a result, there has been a 10% reduction in labour turnover during the last 2 years – reducing recruitment costs, improving morale and motivation and improving service for customers.

Skills Pledge Employer of the Year

Winner

FlyBe

The multi award-winning Exeter-based Flybe airline is Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline and the UK’s No 1 domestic airline. Its success stems from developing not just its business but also its 3000 staff who are based in the UK, Ireland and France. The company is committed to operating at an extremely high and regulated standard and its philosophy of ‘Improving Skills Improves Productivity” is underpinned by its training provision. In 2007 it began creating its world-class training academy. Since then many thousands have attended - not just Flybe staff but also staff from companies throughout the world - gaining new skills, accredited qualifications, a desire to do their job well and an ambition to succeed. The same year Flybe became the first airline and first employer in the South West to sign the Skills Pledge, publicly demonstrating its commitment to training. It also established an academic partnership with Exeter College and the University of Exeter. Since that time funding has been found for 700 Flybe staff to complete either NVQs, NCs, VRQs and foundation degrees in leadership management, cabin crew, customer service, airside operations, engineering and teacher training.

Young Apprentice of the Year

Winner

Gary Nicholls

Gary Nicholls became involved with the Young Apprenticeship programme two years ago aged just 14. He has a keen interest in Marine Engineering and so joined the Engineering programme at Cornwall College. To complement his classroom-based training, Gary started work experience with Mounts Bay Engineering, Penzance, in 2009. He works hard to support the five staff and has helped with a range of tasks on all sizes of vessel - from one-man fishing boats to beam trawlers. His employer tries to tailor tasks in line with his college training and he is often trusted to work alone as he is able to use his own initiative, knowing he can ask for support when needed. His dedication, commitment and eagerness to learn have made him an integral part of the Mounts Bay Engineering team. Thanks to the Apprenticeship, Gary has overcome his learning challenges and he is now doing all he can to achieve his dream of joining the Army. His positive mental attitude has impressed all those who have worked with him – as have his personal and academic development and the growth in his confidence and self-esteem.

Highly Commended

Sam Waters

Luke Rowe

A Young Apprenticeship in Engineering has helped Sam Waters, 15, realise he has a natural talent and the ability to excel. He is a pupil at Penrice Community College, St Austell, studies his apprenticeship at Cornwall College, St Austell and has a work placement at Teddington Appliance Controls, St Austell. Since starting the course he has completed Engineering Young Apprentices GCSE Double Award and Performing Engineering Operations NVQ Level 2. Sam’s experiences have helped him recognise his own talent and motivated him to work hard at school so he can achieve the grades necessary to take a degree in engineering. His interest and commitment have made him a valued member of the Teddington team, they believe he has the ability to accomplish anything he sets his mind to.

Luke Rowe began a Young Apprenticeship in Construction in 2008 aged just 15. He has a work placement with Ocean Services, studies at Cornwall College, Redruth and is a pupil at Penrice Community College, St Austell. At school he has struggled with maths but, motivated by his ambition to become a full construction apprentice which requires maths and science qualifications, he has worked hard to overcome his difficulties - taking advice from his college tutors and doing extra study outside school with the aim of achieving a grade C in maths GCSE. His employers at Ocean describe him as a quick, eager learner, punctual, polite to staff and customers, who has demonstrated his commitment by doing extra work during school holidays.

Apprentice of the Year

Winner

Steven Watson

Highly Commended

Benjamin Pinnock

Jodie Harbach

Benjamin Pinnock is doing a Business, Administration and Law – Accounting Apprenticeship with Work2live, a Cheltenham-based company that provides an employment service to contractors and freelancers, agencies and clients in a number of different sectors. Ben began his Apprenticeship the day after his final A Level exam. That initial drive and enthusiasm has continued with Ben quickly becoming an integral and innovative member of the team. As an accounts assistant, he is responsible for processing, validating and approving employee expenses and timesheets and raising and sending invoices to external clients. He has also progressed to processing and running the payroll for about 500 weekly and monthly consultants and taking over the running of the day to day accounts of a brand new business service. Ben had no prior experience of accounts before starting his Apprenticeship and says that his confidence and self-esteem have both improved dramatically. According to his employer, the quality of his work is extremely high and he always strives to exceed the standards set.

Jodie Harbach is a highly valued member of the Age Concern Devon team in Exeter who is studying for an NVQ Level 2 in Customer Services as part of her Apprenticeship. As well as her college training, she trains with SENSE for the deaf and blind and also in-house is instructed in welfare and benefits for the elderly, invoicing, payments and general administration. She has gained Key Skills qualifications in maths and science and won the Apprentice of the Year - Outstanding Achievement award at her college, Education and Training Skills, Exeter. As an apprentice, her role includes answering the telephone to offer support and advice to older people, helping the Advocacy Service and the Teignbridge Crisis Support project and completing office administration tasks. Jodie has high personal standards, an enthusiastic and positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine sense of achievement and satisfaction when she sees how much her help means to people. She has far exceeded expectations, is consistently ahead of schedule with her NVQ assignments and often does extra research independently to support her studies. Jodie has used her own life experiences to bring empathy to her work and is particularly keen to make sure that callers feel listened to and valued.

Advanced Apprentice of the Year

Winner

Chris Young

Chris Young always wanted to be an electrician. After leaving school he took a City and Guilds qualification at college, at the same time doing work experience with Rogers Restorations Electrical, Highbridge, Somerset where he was offered an Apprenticeship. His interest and dedication has continued and, on top of his numerous electrical qualifications, Chris has also won awards for the quality of his work including national Skill ELECTRIC 2009 and Apprentice of the Year at Bridgwater College 2009. Working both independently and as part of a team, his responsibilities now include liaising with customers, preparing and installing electrical wiring and systems, wiring enclosures and equipment, connecting wiring systems and equipment using safe and approved methods, inspecting, testing and commissioning all aspects of electrical systems and portable appliance testing and diagnosing and correcting faults in Electro technical systems. Chris’s employer describes him as a ‘star apprentice’ who takes huge pride in his work and who has helped him double the turnover and profit of Rogers Restoration Electrical. That, in turn, has meant the company has been able to take on extra staff and apprentice.

Highly Commended

Abigail Holden

Joseph Shields

In three years Abigail Holden has become a highly qualified and motivated member of the hospitality industry. After making the decision to leave school and turn her part time waitress job into a career, she completed an Apprenticeship and an Advanced Apprenticeship in Retail Commercial Enterprise - Hospitality and Catering in just two years. Along the way she completed many other hospitality-based qualifications and is now successfully working towards a Foundation Degree in Hospitality Management whilst still working full time. She began her career, six years ago, as a shy 14-year-old waitress, the only one at Tapenades Restaurant, Liskeard, Cornwall. Now manager of the restaurant, her responsibilities include day to day running of Tapenades and its team of four staff, promoting the outside catering side of the business, recruiting and training new staff as well as managing the training of existing staff and taking responsibility for the restaurant’s health and safety. She is described as a student with outstanding drive, enthusiasm and a thirst for knowledge who stands out from the rest and whose employers say how instrumental she is to their business’s success. Abigail describes her Apprenticeship experience as opening up a whole new world of opportunities that are responsible for her success today.

Joseph Shields began his Apprenticeship training when he was 23. His employers,Watts Truck and Van Ltd, Bristol, were originally worried that his age and weak literacy and numeracy skills would be a barrier to his progress but he persuaded them to take him on and has since proved himself an extremely determined, hard working and motivated trainee. Joseph took a pay cut to be an apprentice and had to promise to improve his maths and English skills to the agreed standard, which he did. Once he had begun his training, Joseph was the first in his year to complete the first part of his qualification and he went on to win the DAF Most Improved Apprentice of the Year Award 2009. He has now completed Vehicle and Maintenance Repair NVQ2, Technical Certificate 2, Key Skills 2 and has passed his HGV driving licence. As his employers cannot fund his HGV class 1 and 2 licence training he is currently saving to pay for the course himself. He also has plans to continue with his training after completing his Apprenticeship. Joseph is able to work without supervision and is aware of the importance of customer care – according to his employers he is a real asset to the company.

Micro Employer of the Year

Winner

Cox of Torbay

Cox of Torbay is a small family business that was established in 1957 and prides itself on serving and supporting the local communities. The company has strong links with local schools and colleges - often offering work experience positions to young people wanting to enter the business. In the last five years it has trained four apprentices and the company’s manager and service manager both began their own careers with an Apprenticeship. Apprentices work with skilled and qualified technicians who encourage them to be inquisitive and try to work through problems in a methodical and enthusiastic manner. As well as undertaking standard Apprenticeship modules, they also do a range of additional courses in subject like air conditioning and advanced diagnostics. The benefits the apprentices bring to the business are many – not only are they motivated individuals with good qualifications, they also know how to use their skills to the advantage of the company, making it more competitive. Cox of Torbay apprentices benefit from security of employment, good working conditions, a supportive environment and the prospects of promotion within the business whilst undergoing continuous professional development.apprentice.

Highly Commended

R.G Pauls

Rogers Restorations Electrical

Rob Pauls, owner of Torquay construction firm, R.G.Pauls, was apprenticed to learn his trade and fully appreciates how much he gained from that training. As soon as he started his own business, Rob felt he had a duty to give young people the opportunities he had and so became committed to providing the best training he could. He has gone on to train many youngsters over the years - recognising the mutual benefits of employing a trainee and believing apprentices to be a vital part of his business’s continued success. He believes that nurturing young talent is important to the local community in general and that the greatest benefit he can offer a trainee is a future and the best way to develop skills is in the workplace. On top of the practical work-based skills, he fosters a strong work ethic and an awareness of health and safety and feels that his association with trainees has helped him to develop personally and be a better employer himself. Currently R.G. Pauls has one apprentice on the painting and decorating programme at South Devon College - it is hoped he will progress to his Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship this September.

Rogers Restorations Electrical has a history of employing qualifying and newly qualified apprentices. Partner, Roger Rogers, believes the training provides employees with the opportunity to experience real life in the work place while they gain the qualifications that will prove invaluable with any future employer. As valued members of the company, the trainees are encouraged to undertake extra training and to enter competitions, which has resulted in several awards, including UK Apprentice of the Year. Apprentices are given responsibility for jobs and urged to assess, plan and complete them with support from qualified members of staff. The company believes that a successful organisation is based on the capabilities of the people behind it and that recruiting the right staff and developing their skills helps with the success, stability, growth and promotion of the business. As a direct result of having reliable competent employees, company managers have been able to develop and expand the business into the sustainable energy market. Rogers Restorations Electrical intends to continue to use apprentices to help the company grow and, as part of the expanding sustainable energy side of the business, will be looking to take on trainees with a particular interest in this field.

Small Employer of the Year

Winner

M.K. Wildin & Sons Ltd

There is a clear commitment to training and developing staff at MK Wildin. Led by the Managing Director, Brett Wildin, who recently completed NVQ Level 5 in Construction Management, that commitment is apparent throughout the company. With a vision to have the most highly skilled workforce possible, MK Wildin joined the Apprenticeship programme in 1991. Brett was the first trainee achieving a carpentry/joinery Apprenticeship. The programme has grown and developed in size, level and breadth over the last sixteen years and is embedded into the organisation’s culture - forming an integral part of the business plan for the next five years at least. The company’s current apprentices range in age from 16 to 60, undertaking NVQ Levels 2 to 5 in carpentry, brick, plant leadership and management administration. Staff retention is 100% and, alongside formal training, the company has a strong ethos of peer mentoring, experience sharing and the achievement of best practice. MK Wildin has earned Investors in People status because of its commitment to its employees. As Managing Director, Brett Wildin is dedicated to self improvement personally and to ensuring that the workforce benefits of training are fully realised and their potential maximised.

Highly Commended

Bourne Valley Nursery Schools Ltd

Douglas Arter Centre

Bourne Valley Nursery School’s approach to Apprenticeships is to treat apprentices as valued employees from their first day. Based near Salisbury, the business provides a supportive induction programme and an individual mentor who produces a professional development plan that is closely monitored via one to one sessions. Aiming to retain their apprentices into permanent employment, the nursery enjoys a 100% success rate with all those who complete the first eight weeks of their Apprenticeship. Considered a valuable tool for professional development, the system of ‘plan, do and review’ is embedded into Bourne Valley practice on many levels - whilst developing an apprentice into their new role, existing employees are encouraged to consolidate and review their own roles and procedures. The nursery does its best to be flexible to individual requirements – altering attendance times, for example, to suit bus timetables and accommodating driving lessons as much as possible to encourage greater independence. Five apprentices were taken on during 2009 and all have accepted permanent positions.

Training, particularly through the Apprenticeship scheme, is of paramount importance at the Douglas Arter Care Centre, Salisbury, Wiltshire - a residential care home for adults with learning, physical and sensory impairment. All new staff without care qualifications are being encouraged to complete an Apprenticeship with the eventual aim of 100% of the 49-strong team achieving one in Health and Social Care. On top of the basic Apprenticeship, staff are also offered extra training to help them achieve promotion or extra responsibilities. In the last five years DAC has taken on 10 apprentices, all of whom still work at the centre - staff retention being another benefit of the training. The overall effect is a team providing a high standard of care for residents that complies with industry standards. The training method gives trainees the opportunity to gain knowledge and put it into practice simultaneously - with excellent results. The centre is known for its holistic approach and for providing personalised activities which are focused on the requirements of each individual. Since joining the Apprenticeship programme managers have also noticed a marked increase in demand for places at DAC.

Medium Employer of the Year

Winner

Kawasaki Precision Machinery (UK) Ltd

Apprenticeships have been on offer at Plymouth-based Kawasaki Precision Machinery (KPM) for more than 30 years. The business currently has 12 apprentices and, over the last 5 years, has trained 22. Every month the apprentices rotate between all departments to give them maximum exposure to the workings and processes within the factory – this, the company believes, allows them to appreciate the entirety of the business process from the initial customer order through to the finished product. The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award has recently been introduced as an optional extra for apprentices keen to further challenge their boundaries and enhance their personal development. KPM has a very low turnover of trained apprentices and the total length of time they have served is a massive 400+ years – demonstrating excellent staff retention and a huge return on the company’s investment. Within KPM, training and development does not stop once an apprentice has received their indentures – on the contrary, they are encouraged to further their studies to broaden and develop their knowledge. Despite the impact of the global recession, KPM UK is committed to continuing with its Apprenticeship scheme and to expanding it.

Highly Commended

Aquaterra Leisure

Aquaterra Leisure is a charitable trust that aims to improve quality of life and health through leisure, fitness and sports activities that are accessible for all. The organisation has three main facilities in Bath and employs around 100 full-time staff there. Each of the three sites annually recruits 3 sport and recreation apprentices and one customer service apprentice is also taken on. Fifty per cent of Aquaterra’s operational staff in Bath are either current of former apprentices. The organisation offers the basics of the NVQ and technical certificates along with a range of professional qualifications like First Aid, Defibrillation, Gym Instructor or ASA Swimming Teacher. The apprentices also do internal courses that include fire, reception, health and safety and customer care training. Over the next 12 months, Aquaterra plans to increase the number of its verifiers and assessors in its Bath facilities – currently each site has 1 internal verifier and 3 assessors – to ensure a one-to-one approach. It also aims to increase the current 9 sport and recreation and 1 customer service Apprenticeships to 11 sport and recreation, 3 customer service and 2 exercise and fitness Apprenticeships.

Large Employer of the Year

Winner

Princess Yachts International

Princess Yachts International, Plymouth, has been fully committed to the Apprenticeship programme for over 14 years. The company currently employs 46 advanced apprentices in marine engineering and boat building who were chosen after a robust recruitment process that ensures the highest quality candidates are employed. Princess Yachts is often used as an example of best practice for the region and has received numerous awards. It prides itself on the approach of a mentor per apprentice - enabling a young person to gain the guidance, skills and support from a skilled employee who has often been through the process themselves. Like most businesses Princess Yachts has been affected by the credit crunch but has worked hard to maintain a reduced training programme because managers are aware how valuable their training is - not just for individual apprentices but for the future of the industry as a whole. Most apprentices are offered a job with the company after completing their Apprenticeship and many go on to achieve management positions. Those that excel often win awards and one is currently being sponsored in a full time marine engineering degree course. This year Princess hopes to open a learning centre where apprentices and other employees can access information for study.

Highly Commended

Tops Day Nursery

Somerset Care Ltd

Managers at Tops Day Nurseries, Bournemouth, are committed to investing in staff and a high standard of training to ensure high quality service. The company currently employs 90 apprentices and has trained 500 during the last 5 years. Traditionally over 50% of apprentices stay at Tops and are employed within the company’s 11 nurseries and 7 play clubs. A number of those have progressed within the company to management and director positions. Their motivation to stay as they learn provides an enviable stability for the organisation, the staff and in particular the children. Tops takes training seriously - working closely with an Ofsted “outstanding” training provider, Aspire Training Team. The company has a dedicated training room where learners have access to a computer, books and other resources for coursework. They also have access to a moodle website where they can keep on track with their studies and they often have personal support as trainers are on site most days. Staff turnover is extremely low at Tops since many apprentices stay to work their way up in the organisation. The company intends to increase its Apprenticeship intake by 10% over the next 3 year.

Somerset Care, Taunton, is a not-for-profit organisation that views the training and development of staff as a core value at the heart of its success. The company currently employs 286 apprentices - having trained 600 in the last five years through its subsidiary company, Acacia Training. Managers encourage staff of all ages to undertake an Apprenticeship in order to maximise their own potential and develop the skills needed to ensure the quality of care they provide to clients. The organisation works closely with local schools, participating in careers events to encourage children to consider social care as a career and an Apprenticeship as a way of achieving a recognised and valuable qualification. Apprentices are also encouraged to progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship and then on to higher education where appropriate – ‘Rising Stars’, an in-house development programme, has recently been launched for staff who have achieved their Advanced Apprenticeship. Somerset Care believes that Apprenticeships have benefited the company in a number of ways including retention of high quality staff, improved staff self-esteem, raised standards across the company and increased staff motivation. The organisation invests heavily in staff development as key to success and plans to continue to develop its training programme.

Macro Employer of the Year

Winner

Defence Equipment and Support (MOD)

The ageing engineering workforce of the Defence Equipment and Support (DE+S) department and MOD prompted this huge public sector employer to pilot the Apprenticeship programme. In 2004, with the support of City of Bristol College, 10 teenage trainee engineers were taken on. The results proved so successful that in 2008 the number of apprentices employed was increased to 38 and to 97 a year later. The DE+S currently has 163 apprentices, their average age is 19 and they are fully expected to progress beyond an initial posting after completing that Apprenticeship to middle management positions while they are still in their 20s. DE+S believes that Apprenticeships form an essential part of its business strategy for sustaining a skilled workforce with knowledge, experience and competence. The department offers a variety of frameworks and methods of support to give trainees the best possible chance of achieving success, including pre-course preparation. In the future, the department plans to build on the success of the scheme by expanding into the Science and Engineering Ambassadors programme. In 2010 it is also planning to increase the number of technician apprentices across the UK to well over 200.

Highly Commended

British Energy

The British Energy Apprenticeship scheme was introduced in 2008 to ensure quality and consistency of training in the maintenance field. Before this training was managed locally at each of the company’s eight UK sites but a requirement to introduce a single national scheme meant one had to be designed and implemented within a tight timescale. This was achieved and, in just over 12 months, more than 50 apprentices have completed their first year and are now mid way through their second. With an intake of 54 apprentices in 2009, there are currently 105 young people receiving quality, systematically derived training that will turn them into skilled, professional craftsmen and women for the nuclear generation industry. The first two years of the four year programme take place at Royal Navy bases on the South Coast and the final two years are spent at specific power stations. As well as offering foundation skills training in Engineering Maintenance and an NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, the course also provides students with significant personal development, partly through the incorporation of a comprehensive life skills programme which includes the opportunity to visit various countries across Europe and to partake in extra curricula events.