Rising Stars 2018

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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

SPONSORED BY:

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