Shining a spotlight on its apprentices and employers, the Education Training Collective hosted its first ever Apprenticeship Achievement Awards.
In the run up to National Apprenticeship Week next month (Feb 9th-15th), the event, at Redcar and Cleveland College, recognised apprentices going above and beyond in their roles and the employers who support them.
The Etc.’s group director of marketing and business engagement, Erika Marshall, said: “It felt special to be able to bring apprentices and employers together to show our recognition and appreciation for all they do.
“From the apprentices on the starting blocks of their careers to employers giving something back by investing in future talent, their achievements and professionalism truly demonstrate the real impact apprenticeships can have.”
Newly qualified scaffolder Rhys was among the winners on the day. He was named Etc.’s Scaffolding Apprentice of the Year and his employer, JMAC Scaffolding, was announced Scaffolding Employer of the Year.
Securing an apprenticeship proved life changing for Rhys, who not only learned the skills of his trade but also experienced the unique chance to travel to Las Vegas and Italy through his work.
The 18-year-old from Ormesby is already on the second award of his career after recently being announced NASC Scaffolding Apprentice of the Year, a national title sponsored by CISRS.
He said: “I feel lucky to have had the opportunities I have had so far with JMAC, both through experience working on different jobs and their investment in me with further training courses.”
Picking up the employer award on behalf of JMAC Scaffolding, Anthony Johnson said: “We know that apprentices are the future of the industry. At JMAC we invest in apprenticeships to build our future talent.”
Now JMAC’s head of industrial access, he started his own career as an apprentice. He added: “On a personal note I like to get involved where I can as that was my background and I know where an apprenticeship can lead if you have the right attitude and aptitude.”
The Etc. awards incorporated apprentices training with Innersummit, NETA Training, Redcar and Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College.
Connor, was awarded Etc. Construction Apprentice of the Year. He completed his plumbing, heating and gas apprenticeship at TRD Heating.
The 22-year-old from Guisborough said: “I started my apprenticeship at 17 and completed a few months back. I’ve had to put the work in, but I enjoy what I do.”
Cheering him on, business owner, Thomas Dale said: “Connor approached me about an apprenticeship at just the right time as I was setting up my company and decided to take a risk. It has worked out for both of us.”
The full list of award winners at the Etc. Apprenticeship Awards are:
Early Years Apprentice of the Year, Jessica, Kidzone Norton Nursery;
Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year, Amy, Rainbow Auto Services;
Management Apprentice of the Year, Wayne, Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust;
Engineering Apprentice of the Year, Lewis, PD Ports;
Scaffolding Apprentice of the Year, Rhys, JMAC Scaffolding
Construction Apprentice of the Year, Connor, TRD Heating
Professional Services Apprentice of the Year, Skye, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council;
Legal Apprentice of the Year, Lucy, Tilly, Bailey and Irvine
And: Construction Employer of the Year, Thirteen Group;
Early Years Employer of the Year, Butterfield Pre School;
Engineering Employer of the Year, Wood Group
Legal Employer of the Year, Cygnet Law;
Management Employer of the Year, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council;
Motor Vehicle Employer of the Year, Vasstech;
Professional Services Employer of the Year, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Scaffolding Employer of the Year, JMAC Scaffolding
