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The 9th annual ������Ƶ Apprenticeships (WA) Awards ceremony was held on Thursday November 16 and brought together over 300 businesses, apprentices, schools, training providers and ambassadors at the West Midland Safari Park for a night of recognition and celebration.

The awards, co-organised by ������Ƶ Local Enterprise Partnership and ������Ƶ County Council were hosted by TV comedy star Lucy Porter, with the event highlighted outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations dedicated to delivering and supporting apprenticeships in the county. 

������Ƶ County Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills, said: “We are proud to support the WA Awards and I was very proud to see ������Ƶ County Council’s employer provider apprenticeship programme nominated in the Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category. We were among fantastic businesses, and it was an honour to be included in their company. A huge congratulations to the winner Open GI.

Apprenticeships are so important to the county, providing employment opportunities to people, young people particularly and gives them opportunity to learn new skills or enhance their current skill-set. The council's employer provider apprenticeship programme delivers apprenticeships from level 2 to level 5, creating entry routes into the County Council and professional development opportunities for existing employees. It further cements our commitment to nurturing talent and investing in skills in ������Ƶ.”

Host, comedian, and TV star Lucy Porter added, "I was delighted to be able to host the WA Awards; it was such a wonderful celebration of extraordinary individuals and organisations who are making apprenticeships such a success locally. I’d like to congratulate all the finalists and winners and encourage them and others to continue the great work of delivering, supporting, and championing apprenticeships.”

Next year will see the 10th anniversary of the ������Ƶ Apprenticeships program, with plans already underway for a series of events and campaigns to highlight the impact and value of apprenticeships in the county. For more information on .

CATEGORIES – Nominees, and Winners (in bold)

Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year 

WINNER: Katie Davies – Sanctuary

Haydn Williams – PG Brickwork

Katie Hellaby – Wychavon DC

Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year 

WINNER: Cameron Gallamore – Doncasters

Courtney Tuckey – Open GI

Dominic Jones – Hewett Recruitment

Jacob Carswell – Wienerberger

Josh Harvey – Olpro

Higher Level Apprentice of the Year 

WINNER: Ciara Murphy – Phosters

Gaynor Roberts – Herefordshire and ������Ƶ NHS Health and Care Trust

Matthew Wright – Sanctuary

Degree Level Apprentice of the Year 

WINNER: Georgia Little – Citizen Communications

Danni Simmonds - TDM

Jodie Purser – Iso Quality Service Ltd

Small and Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (< 50 employees)

WINNER: Olpro 

Blackwell Adventures

Bransford Garden Plants

Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (> 250 employees) 

WINNER: Open GI    

H&W Health and Care NHS Trust  

Phosters FM

������Ƶ County Council 

Community Housing 

School of the Year 

WINNER: Stourport High School 

The Chase High School

Hanley Castle High School

Training Provider of the Year 

WINNER: Pershore College (Warwickshire College Group) 

Heart of ������Ƶ College

HWGTA 

Kidderminster College

The Development Manager (TDM) 

Apprentice Champion of the Year 

WINNER: Michelle Wood - Sanctuary

Danny Pardoe – Kidderminster College

Sheri Moule – Herefordshire and ������Ƶ NHS Health and Care Trust

������Ƶ Apprentice of the Year

WINNER - Cameron Gallamore – Doncasters