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 | | FOOD AND DRINK MANUFACTURERS CALLED TO REPEAT THEIR SUCCESS AS SEARCH OPENS FOR EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR | | | Learning and Skills Council | | 04/12/2007 | | | LSC launches fifth annual Apprenticeship Awards as government calls for 500,000 new Apprenticeships places by 2020.
The search is on for the country’s top apprentice employer as the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) launches its fifth annual Apprenticeship Awards 2008. Employers of all sizes are encouraged to enter the prestigious Awards, which opened for entries last night at an event attended by Skills Minister, David Lammy MP.
The food and drink manufacturing sector was well represented at last year’s Awards. Jonathon Pearson, an apprentice at Schwan’s Consumer Brands, won the Apprentice of the Year 2007 award.
Speaking at the event, David Lammy MP, said: “Apprenticeships are integral to combating the nation’s skills shortages. They stimulate innovation, give businesses the skills they need and provide opportunities for individuals to fulfil their potential. The government has recently announced that there will be 500,000 new Apprenticeship places by 2020 so that even more employers and individuals can reap the benefits. The Apprenticeship programme makes a real difference to all concerned, and I’m delighted to attend the fifth national Apprenticeship Awards tonight.”
Jonathon Pearson grasped his role quickly and was promoted to deputy team leader within five months of completing his Apprenticeship – a stunning achievement for a young man of 22. Commenting on his win, Jonathon said: “It’s brilliant. My Apprenticeship has given me so much – confidence, success, leadership – and my company has supported me all the way.”
It is not only the apprentices that benefit. Jonathon’s employer, Mike Hyland, said manufacturing output has increased since Jonathon’s arrival, and his presence on the Health and Safety team has resulted in a 50 per cent decrease in the number of accidents. Mike said: “Jonathon is a role model to younger employees.”
The Apprenticeship Awards are held annually to celebrate the success of apprentices who have made a real difference to their future and to the organisation they work for. They also recognise the work of employers who are successfully tackling skills shortages to build their future workforce through Apprenticeships.
Chris Banks, Chair of the Learning and Skills Council added: “Apprenticeships are a more attractive option than ever before for those employers wanting to take control of the future of their business by investing in skills. Today, more than 130,000 employers across the country are using Apprenticeships to improve their business performance, whilst giving talented individuals the opportunity to achieve their goals.
“Entries to the Awards have increased year on year and we have received around 4,000 since the first Apprenticeship Awards in 2004. We are now calling on all apprentice employers across the country to enter our fifth national Awards.”
The Awards highlight the popularity of Apprenticeships amongst employers of all sizes, with past winners including BAE Systems and British Gas in the Large Employer category, with the telecoms giant, BT, winning in 2007. Smaller firms also triumphed when electrical engineering company Beere Electrical Services Ltd was crowned Micro Employer of the Year 2006.
Dave Walsh, Head of BT Apprenticeships said: “Winning Large Employer of the Year 2007 was a great tribute to BT’s investment in our apprentices. Our Apprenticeship programme is crucial for future proofing our business, delivering a clear return on investment. We will definitely be entering again this year.”
Employers are eligible to enter one of four categories depending on their company size; Micro (1-9 employees), Small (10-49 employees), Medium (50-249 employees) and Large (250+ employees). They are assessed on a number of criteria including implementation of the Apprenticeship programme, clear demonstration of the way Apprenticeships have benefited their business and the level of support provided to their apprentices.
In addition to the employer Awards, there are four categories open to apprentices - Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Young Apprentice of the Year and Personal Achiever of the Year.
The Awards Premier Sponsor for the fourth consecutive year is City & Guilds.
Chris Humphries, director-general of City & Guilds commented: “Any business can only be as good as the skills of its workforce, so it is great to see that the Apprenticeship Awards showcase the very best in staff training. As well as applauding individual and employer successes, these Awards are a testament to the real economic benefits apprentices can bring.” | |
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