Rising Stars 2018

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Newbury Business Today

Congratulations to all our graduates

WEST BERKSHIRE TRAINING CONSORTIUM

Well done to all the graduates, award finalists and winners in the WBTC Rising Stars Awards 2018

READ MORE INSIDE - PULL-OUT AND KEEP CELEBRATION SOUVENIR Max Green of Sovereign Housing association, Steph Akerman of Sovereign Housing association, Briony Smith, winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award (16-18) from West Berkshire Council, and WBTC’s Matt Garvey

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Newbury Business Today

APPRENTICE GRADUATION & AWARDS 2018 WEST BERKSHIRE TRAINING CONSORTIUM

Our Graduates

O n a lovely spring day, apprentices, their employers, family and friends all gathered for the WBTC Apprentice Graduation &

Matt Garvey

Rising Stars Awards 2018. The event on Wednesday 25 April 2018 was attended by 250 guests at Arlington Arts Centre near Newbury. ‘This was our fourth event and I think it just keeps getting better each year,’ said Matt Garvey the Managing Director of WBTC. ‘We had nice weather, a full house and a celebratory atmosphere that underscores why apprenticeships are so amazing. Our Guest of Honour, Mark Dawe, the CEO of the Association of Employment & Learning Providers (AELP), got everyone in the mood with his funny and upbeat Graduate Address. He reminded us that celebrating achievement is all the more sweeter when we remember the challenging times in our studies or career.’ Apprentice graduation ceremonies have become more popular over recent years as a way of formally congratulating apprentices on their years of study and hard work. ‘There was a wide range of apprentices graduating including accounting, business administration, carpentry, customer service, engineering, graphic design, housing, IT/Telecoms, Management and Warehousing,’ added Matt. ‘Our graduates looked pretty amazing in their gowns and were a credit to themselves and their employers. I’m always impressed how apprentices tackle their full time jobs and their stretching studies to become accomplished professionals; it makes me feel optimistic for the future.’ Employers from all over the area gathered with their apprentices or as finalists in their own categories to celebrate all that is good about apprenticeships. Sheena Sukumaran, of Sutherland Health (Small Employer of the Year winner),who won the Workplace Mentor of the Year Award, said: ‘I am absolutely amazed that our company walked away with two awards and the way the ceremony was organised in such a professional manner. Thank you WBTC, for the recognition and for putting on a wonderful ceremony for those young folk that have worked hard to achieve standards and giving them the opportunity to shine and be proud of what they have achieved in front of family/friends/employers – it was outstanding.’ WBTC also invested their 2018 Honorary Fellowships of WBTC to Kelvin Hughes, the CEO of Newbury Community Resource Centre, for his ‘Services to Young Adults. This is the highest honour that WBTC can award to an individual and it is for life. ‘Kelvin has made a positive and sustained impact on the lives of many young people in our area,’ added Matt. ‘Through his leadership of the Newbury Community Resource Centre he has offered life changing work experience opportunities to individuals who really needed a friendly and supportive environment. At WBTC we have seen first-hand just how conscientious Kelvin and his team are with some of our most disadvantaged residents.’ There was also a special recognition for Sovereign Housing association, who were awarded the WBTC Platinum Award for their consistently excellent apprenticeship programme. The award was presented by Mark Dawe to Corinna Grace and Steph Akerman who have led the association’s apprenticeship drive. Apprentices then formally graduated and were congratulated by Mark Dawe. As well as different occupational sectors, apprentices came from a diverse range of backgrounds demonstrating the egalitarian spirit of the apprenticeship programme. There were also a substantial number of adult apprentices and learners graduating. Rising Stars 2018 The graduation ceremony was followed by the Rising Stars Awards 2018, a showcase of local employers and individuals who had been nominated for their excellence. With eight categories this was an opportunity for outstanding role models to shine. There were three finalists in each category, each chosen by a panel of judges. ‘The Rising Stars finalists were all quite inspirational,’ said Matt. ‘Winners are a closely guarded secret so not even I know who they are until the event itself. Nominations championed the ways employers had gone out the extra mile to support apprentices or extolled the care and attention exhibited by mentors. We had most nominations for the learner categories with some amazing testimonials on our apprentices and Great Start students. Judges assessed nominations on an anonymised basis and focused on the story. Consequently, the finalists were of a very high standard.’ Sponsors & Supporters Along with the eight award category sponsors, the event was supported by The Englefield Trust, the awarding body Pearson, Apple Print & Creative and Nustream. ‘I’m deeply grateful to the sponsors and supporters whose generosity made this event possible,’ said Matt. ‘They played a key role in celebrating the great work that goes on in our local business community when it comes to apprenticeships and learning. Hayley Evans whose son Nathan graduated said ‘ I was so proud watching my son graduate and get to celebrate his achievements along with everyone else, and I was proud of them too! What a lovely thing to do to let everyone know that their achievements matter and they should all be proud! On a personal note I want to thank WBTC for not only finding my son, Nathan Evans, his apprenticeship, but also for all the continued support he gets from you by way of visits and training days. We heard about the WBTC recruitment day which Nathan attended, and the apprenticeship opportunities just kept coming! In the end he was offered two and had a choice to make! He loves what he does and hopefully he‘ll make a long career out of it.’ Finalists all received a medal and winners were awarded their coveted trophy. In the individual learner categories the winners also received £100 with the other finalists awarded prizes of £25 each. ‘I know that people often say everyone deserves to win,’ added Matt, ‘but in this case I feel it’s true. The nominations were of such high quality that judges had a hard time deciding on the eventual winners. In my eyes, each finalist is a true rising star with an exciting future ahead.’

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Newbury Business Today

WEST BERKSHIRE TRAINING CONSORTIUM RISING STARS 2018 APPRENTICE GRADUATION & AWARDS 2018

by mentors. We had most nominations for the learner categories with some amazing testimonials on our apprentices and Great Start students. Judges assessed nominations on an anonymised basis and focused on the story. Consequently, the finalists were of a very high standard. ‘The event was sponsored by eight local employers, all of whom are totally

by a panel of judges. ‘The Rising Stars finalists were all quite inspirational,’

committed to apprenticeships. We are also grateful to the generosity of The Englefield Trust, Pearson, Apple Print & Creative and Nustresm for being such firm supporters of our event. The backing of our sponsors and supporters makes the Rising Stars Awards the success it is.’

The graduation ceremony was followed by the Rising Stars Awards 2018, a showcase of local employers and individuals who had been nominated for their excellence. With eight categories, this was an opportunity for outstanding role models to shine. There were three finalists in each category, each chosen

said Matt Garvey. ‘Winners are a closely- guarded secret so not even I know who they are until the event itself. Nominations championed the ways employers had gone out the extra mile to support apprentices or extolled the care and attention exhibited

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR (16-18) BRIONY SMITH OF WEST BERKSHIRE COUNCIL

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR (19+) SARAH OAKLEY OF BOOMERANG CREATIVE

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Their Nominator said: I was impressed by Sarah from the very first contact by email and through the interview process. As soon as she began working at Boomerang she showed a professional approach beyond her years. She has developed into a highly professional young graphic designer and has certainly exceeded my expectations of an apprentice. This was demonstrated most notably last year when our Senior Graphic Designer was off work for six weeks and Sarah was left in the position of being the only graphic designer in the team. The work is fast paced and often high pressure, Sarah has shown confidence in managing her own workload and delivering directly to clients. I’m thrilled to now have Sarah as a permanent member of staff in the new role of Junior Graphic Designer. Their Nominator said: Sheena has embraced the role of mentor. She has absolutely thrown herself into giving an apprentice, who has needed a high level of support, the greatest opportunity to succeed. Her patience seems never ending and her willingness to dig deep for unusual solutions to overcome problems has been second to none. Sheena puts a smile on an idea and sets out to make all involved want to make it happen. Throughout the apprenticeship Sheena has remained positive and ensured she has given praise and encouragement. She is always rushing around and every bit of support over and above what was expected means time out of her day−which is then made up out of hours. SPONSORED BY:

Their Nominator said: Briony is an asset to the department. She works hard

and will help you with anything. Briony is always the one person you can rely on, she goes above and beyond and no task is too big or small. She whizzed through her apprenticeships and was even told to slow down. She completed her Advanced Apprenticeship while being extremely busy travelling between three councils but her work remained at the excellent standard it had always been. If anyone deserves this award she does. She has excelled in her job since she started when she was 17. The apprenticeship has given Briony greater confidence in taking ownership of tasks. She is no longer the timid 17 year old she was. She is a confident young woman who excels in her position. She should be very proud of herself and her achievements. Their Nominator said: Sam feels that his traineeship has helped him to develop his confidence in the workplace. Sam has shown good growth and development at work. His employer has said that Sam is one of the best workers, always looking to help. Sam is hoping that by achieving his maths and English Level 2, he will be able to secure an apprenticeship. Sam deserves to be Great Start Learner of the Year because of his excellent attitude to education and work. His person centred, conscientious approach to life makes him a pleasure to have in lessons, as does his maturity and his views of the world around us. Sam is an excellent role model for other learners, showing that commitment, determination and some pretty dry humour can get you far.

Steph Akerman, Learning and Development Consultant, Sovereign. As a WBTC platinum employer awards winner ourselves this year, it’s great to have had the opportunity to sponsor the Rising Stars Awards for the fifth year running. At Sovereign we value the important role young people have in our business. Many of our employees started their careers as apprentices and are now fully- fledged housing professionals. This year’s nominees have been of a particularly high standard and everyone should be commended for their achievements today. Max Green of Sovereign Housing association, Steph Akerman of Sovereign Housing association, Briony Smith, winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award (16-18) from West Berkshire Council, and WBTC’s Matt Garvey

Chris Lewis of SPX Flow, Sarah Oakley & Matt Garvey

Jonathan Meek, HR Manager SPXFLOW SPX Flow were delighted to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year (age 19+) for 2018 and we pass on our huge congratulations to the winner Sarah Oakley. At SPX Flow we have enjoyed 10 years of high quality apprenticeships with WBTC and seen the long and lasting positive impact apprentices have had in our business. Many of our former trainees have gone on to specialise in engineering, manufacturing, management and sales, showing the world of opportunities that are open to apprentices.

GREAT START LEARNER OF THE YEAR SAMUEL ALDRIDGE

WORKPLACE MENTOR OF THE YEAR SHEENA SUKUMARAN OF SUTHERLAND HEALTH

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Richard Dickson. Head of HR, James Cowper Kreston. At James Cowper Kreston we are proud to have been working with apprentices for a number of years. Training young people is vital to our success as a firm of accountants and business advisers; it helps us to give our clients a great service whilst also molding the minds of the future. It has been a pleasure working with West Berkshire Training Consortium, who have been a key partner in this process, and we look forward to their contribution to our future success. Mike Farwell of James Cowper Kreston, Jessica Bray (finalist), Samuel Aldridge (winner), Isabelle Read (finalist) & Matt Garvey

Fiona Coyne. Head of Furniture, Benchmark. Kelvyn Dennis of Benchmark, George Sutherland (representing the winner Sheena Sukumaran) & Matt Garvey We are delighted to sponsor this award and help champion the benefits of apprenticeships to a wider audience. At Benchmark, we are committed to developing the next generation of craftsmen and creating a legacy of making and makers. Our Apprenticeship Scheme has been a key factor in our success over the last 30 years and we continually develop and adapt it to ensure that our apprentices are trained to the highest level.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Newbury Business Today

APPRENTICE GRADUATION & AWARDS 2018 WEST BERKSHIRE TRAINING CONSORTIUM

MICRO EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR SUTHERLAND HEALTH

SMALL EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR BENCHMARK

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Their Nominator said: Sutherland Health have trained a young apprentice

Their Nominator said: Benchmark has supported the Apprenticeship programme for well over 30 years. Each year they take on 2-3 local Apprentices, who start on the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Furniture Making and then progress to their Advanced Apprenticeship. This year they have also invested in their first Engineering Apprentice. Apprentices benefit from an incredibly high standard of training as they develop the outstanding skills required to satisfy their clients. They have a well-structured training programme with a highly motivated team of mentors. To support this 8 of their managers have undertaken additional training that will better equip them for the challenges of future apprentices.

who progressed from the Great Start programme. They are an excellent employer and, they have been incredibly supportive and an absolute pleasure to work with. They have been open and honest and are willing to give people the chance to be part of the team and the opportunity to achieve. There has never been a problem arranging training or meetings and the employer has always been fully involved. This employer has provided a safe and supportive setting for their apprentice as he has grown in confidence and developed his skills in an environment where everyone has helped him to succeed. This employer has been amazing.

Matt Garvey Managing Director, West Berkshire Training Consortium We’re really grateful to Manley Summers for sponsoring the Small Employer of the Year category. A huge congratulations to Benchmark on being the winning finalist is a really excellent field of employers. It is worth remembering that a huge proportion of traditional young apprentices are employed each year by small employers all over the country. They, just like Benchmark, place huge investment in their apprentices and help train generations of workers. In Benchmark this is literally true because many of their former apprentices are managers and directors in the company The Mayor of Newbury, David Fenn, Kelvyn Dennis of Benchmark and Mikaela Collins

Nicola Penfound of Bayer, George Sutherland of Sutherland Health and Mikaela Collins

Rebecca Harrison Head of Talent Management at Bayer. We are delighted to be sponsoring West Berkshire Training Consortium’s Rising Star Awards. Bayer is committed to supporting young people to get a foothold on to the career ladder and this is the perfect way to celebrate both their hard work, and that of their mentors. Congratulations to all of the winners.

MEDIUM SIZED EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR ATKINS & POTTS

LARGE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR JAMES COWPER KRESTON

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Their Nominator said: Year on year James Cowper Kreston have recruited and supported local young people to become their apprentices. They currently have 12 apprentices on programme. In the majority of cases, these apprentices rise through a robust training scheme to become highly qualified accounting professionals. Apprentices will not only complete their Advanced & Higher Apprenticeships in Accounting but also have the chance to study to level 7. They are fully committed to their apprentices and value the benefits of training young people into the organisation and supporting them to progress. James Cowper Kreston have provided exemplary additional support to apprentices who have either had difficulty at home or challenging personal circumstances.

Their Nominator said: All apprentices at Atkins and Potts are given top-class training through the company line managers. They encourage line managers to go through mentor training to provide them with the skills to support apprentices and get the most from the programme. Atkins & Potts give their apprentices the chance to attend WBTC added value workshops. As a result their apprentices have learnt far more than the required knowledge and competency for their apprenticeship The company will go out of their way to ensure the business covers any time needed if an apprentice requires additional support. The feedback from all apprentices is great. They are made welcome, immediately feel part of the team and they could not ask for more support.

Robert Young of Atkins & Potts, Lorraine Heath of BCoT, Nicola Young of Atkins & Potts & Mikaela Collins

James Gurney. Chief Executive, Newbury Weekly News We are proud to be a sponsor again this year, supporting the Rising Stars Larger Employer award. It is wonderful to see the achievements and success of the graduates through the opportunities offered to them by local businesses and West Berkshire Training Consortium. Congratulations to all involved in this uplifting culmination of hard work and determination. Clare Wilson of NWN, Mike Farwell Partner at James Cowper Kreston & Mikaela Collins

Anthony Bravo. Principal of Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) Congratulations to the finalists and winner Atkins and Potts. As one of the largest Apprenticeship providers in the region, we were delighted to attend the awards and see so many people successfully achieving Apprenticeships to support their career development. This wouldn’t be possible without hard work and dedication alongside fantastic mentoring and support from committed employers.

Details of all winners can be found here: http://wbtc-uk.com/2018-rising-stars-winners

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