Two Norfolk councils and a Norfolk resident hopped over the border into Suffolk to pick up three major awards.
The councils – Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council – and the resident – Rhys Mower from Mundford – all claimed prizes at the annual Eastern Education Group apprenticeship awards.
The occasion took place at Edmunds Restaurant – housed in the grounds of West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds.
The councils received the large employer of the year award.
Leader of Broadland District Council, Sue Holland said: “We were really happy to be nominated and we are delighted to have won. We’re very supportive of apprenticeships, and we put lot of effort into encouraging and enabling our people to develop their skills and knowledge. Bringing out their talent has had a hugely positive impact in the workplace and it’s wonderful to be recognised externally for the team’s achievements.”
South Norfolk Cabinet member, Richard Elliott said: “We have been working on a new initiative with West Suffolk College to support a group of apprentices in taking their Level three Improvement Technician qualification and the relationship with the college has been fantastic. They have provided exactly what we wanted and working with the college has been a really positive experience. The team is really proud to see something that started as a concept go on to invest in skills across our business.”
Rhys, 19, is studying on a Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship alongside his full-time role as a Financial Administrator at Brightside Wealth Management. He won the Degree Apprentice of the Year accolade.
Rhys said: “I’m incredibly pleased and grateful to everyone who has made it possible. From the lecturers to the apprenticeship team, everyone is incredibly knowledgeable and always happy to go above and beyond.”
Dr Nikos Savvas, the CEO of Eastern Education Group gave Holly her award. He said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a time to celebrate the life-changing impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and communities.
“We are proud to recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices across a wide range of industries, from construction, education and engineering to management, science, and healthcare.
“Massive congratulations to Rhys and the councils – and indeed all of our award winners.”
A total of eleven awards were dished out during this ceremony held in Edmunds Restaurant.
The overall winner was 44-year-old Laura Herrera-Martin, from Cambridge. Laura is studying a Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship alongside her role as a Service Improvement Manager at Cambridge City Council.
After hearing the news, Laura said she: “was absolutely over the moon.”
The main sponsors of these awards were E Rand and Sons.
For more information about apprenticeships at West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group you can visit here: www.wsc.ac.uk/find-a-course/apprenticeships
