The Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards were celebrated in a new virtual manner with broadcasts across three days for the first time ever from Tuesday 16th November until Thursday 18th November.
Worcestershire gathered in droves to celebrate the 2021 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards with over 600 views across the three-day celebrations. Marking the 2021 awards as the most engaged Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards in the history of the popular local celebration.
8 winners were announced at the awards with the coveted Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year named as Eleanor Steel and Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year unveiled to be Platform Housing Group.
As well as celebrating the success of apprenticeships during the last 18 months, the award broadcasts featured key updates from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Worcestershire County Council and other partners on the challenges caused by the last 18 months and what action needs to be taken to support businesses and create the county’s future workforce.
The awards were in the backdrop of the current recruitment challenges facing many organisations across the country, with reports that businesses are struggling to recruit new staff through external methods. However, 2021 Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, Platform Housing Group are a leading example of how utilising apprenticeships as part of a clear succession plan can not only support the business to grow, but also their personnel.
Platform Housing Group have embedded a clear apprenticeship strategy within their business which not only helps to train and bring in new talent, but also works to upskill and development their middle and higher-level staff. This works to improve retention and productivity for the organisation.
Platform Housing Group have embraced apprenticeships and are an example to other organisations of how they can overcome current and future recruitment struggles by building an effective succession plan utilising apprenticeships.
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2021 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. There are so many people and organisations involved in making apprenticeships a success in the county and I am pleased we were able to recognise and celebrate that effort.
“It was fantastic to be back shining a light on the value that apprenticeships provide and how they are a vital route to enhance an organisation or career.”
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills said: “This year’s awards were yet another example of how apprenticeships are benefitting the lives of businesses and people across the county.
“Well done to all the finalists and winners of this year’s awards as their dedication and hard work over the last year has been exceptional and I hope will inspire others to recognise the value of apprenticeships.”
The broadcast episodes have now been made available on demand so that those unable to join live can watch back and recognise the achievements of the best the county has to offer.
All three nights of the 2021 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards can be viewed on demand through the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website. – https://worcsapprenticeships.org.uk/news/worcestershire-apprenticeships-awards-2021/
To find out more about apprenticeships in Worcestershire and how you can take on or become an apprentice, contact the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Hub team by phoning 0300 666 3 666 or by emailing info@worcsapprenticeships.org.uk
Full Winners List
Apprentices
Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year – Ben Sheehan, Sanctuary Group
Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year = Eleanor Steel, Platform Housing Group
Higher Level Apprentice of the Year = Matty James, Herefordshire & Worcestershire NHS Trust
Apprentice Resilience of the Year – Chloe Harris, Herefordshire & Worcestershire NHS Trust
Employers
Small and Medium Apprenticeship employer of the Year = Olpro
Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year = Platform Housing Group
Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year = Eleanor Steel, Platform Housing Group
Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year = Platform Housing Group
