During the National Apprenticeship Week (February 6-12), in collaboration with The University of Sunderland, we hosted The Apprenticeship Awards on 8th February at the Industry Centre to celebrate the success of our employers and apprentices!

The Apprenticeship Awards celebrated the success of personal and professional achievements of apprentices and their employers on their apprenticeship programmes across the region working in partnership to develop a high-skilled workforce thring into the future.

Amanda Corbitt, Head of Commercial Training Services at the University of Sunderland, said: ”The long-term success and growth of any business is reliant on its people. By equipping the right people with the right skills, businesses can create a future-proofed workforce to reach their goals. Apprenticeships are an invaluable tool for upskilling in areas that matter most to employers. They’re a highly effective route to recruit and train future talent, address skills shortages and develop careers across core parts of your business.”

The winners included:

• Exceptional Growth – Craig Brown from Tyne Electro Diesel
• Rising Star – Jordan Beaton from Briden-Bekaert (The Ropes Group)
• Apprenticeship Champion – John Mulroy, North Tyneside Council, Social Worker Degree Apprentice
• Digital Innovator of the year – Matthew Graham from NHS Business Services Authority
• Health Care Professional of the year – Sarah Lane from Spire Healthcare
• Employer of the year – Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear Foundation Trust and Spire Healthcare (two winners)
• Mentor of the year – Deb Roxby (Durham County Council) / Dr Sarah Pierce (Tees Esk and Wear Valley Easington)
• Outstanding achievement (Apprentices voted for by Trainer and Academics) – Daniel Mitchel – Morrison Data Services (Team Leader Apprenticeship)

Jordan Beaton, the winner of the Rising Star, and also an Engineering Practice Degree Apprentice, working for Bridon-Bekaert The Ropes Group, shared that his skills and knowledge have been broadening thanks to the apprenticeship. He was promoted to a Quality Engineer position last year.

”I was able to progress quicker in my role thanks to my apprenticeship. To be presented with this award was a huge surprise, but I’m so chuffed. The University of Sunderland has been great, I’ve gone through online learning during the pandemic, as well as face-to-face learning, and the lecturers have been amazing and great support through all those changes,” said Jordan.

An Apprenticeship is a competence-based skill development programme, designed and endorsed by employers for their employees, which combines independently accredited work-based learning, off-the-job training and relevant experience in the job

Apprenticeship is a great opportunity for employers to attract talent to their business, train employees and see a positive return on investment.

To find out more about apprenticeships at MTC Training, click here.