College hosts awards recognising National Apprenticeship Week

Aylesbury College, the largest provider of apprenticeships in the County, has awarded Joseph (Joe) Murray, age 17, from Stoke Mandeville, ‘Apprentice of the Year 2014’. Joe is studying the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery. Apprentices were nominated for awards for their overall performance, both in the workplace and College, or for achieving results in the face of adversity. Judges included the College’s Executive Director of Engagement and Business Development, Tim Keighley, and Work Based Learning Managers, Candice Mason and Steve Moy.

Joseph spends three days at Aylesbury College on his course and two days working at The Lion in Waddesdon. Matthew Webster, Owner at The Lion, said: “I was delighted to put Joe forward for this award. Initially quite a shy and quiet person, Joe’s confidence has bloomed during his time with us. He is now cooking and producing his own dishes, and is a very valuable part of our small team.”

The awards ceremony recognised the College’s 826 apprentices and their employers. There were guest speeches from Eloise Chatwin, a former apprentice and Simon Flory of Flory Works, a local carpentry firm.

The Rt. Hon. David Lidington, MP for Aylesbury, presented the awards and said: “I am delighted to have been involved in Aylesbury College’s Apprenticeship Awards Evening. There are a number of employers in this area who do fantastic work offering apprenticeships to college age students and their partnership with Aylesbury College provides great opportunities for both apprentices and employers.

“When I visit schools, more students are talking about an apprenticeship not as a fall-back position but as a deliberate and positive choice. Aylesbury College have been driving up standards of vocational education and I hope their programme continues to go from strength to strength.”

The awards evening was part of a series of activities held at the College recognising National Apprenticeship Week. Other events included a Business Breakfast and Apprenticeship Fair.

If you know anyone interested in joining the College’s Apprenticeship programme, please call 01296 780284 or email cmason@aylesbury.ac.uk or smoy@aylesbury.ac.uk

The Award Winners

Apprentice of the Year – Joseph Murray

Best Overall Employer – sponsored by Natwest – Absolute Cuisine

Best Small Employer – sponsored by Mix 96 – Alfred Rose Pre-School

Best Large Employer – sponsored by Smart Development – Bucks County Council

Best Service Apprentice (Catering, Hospitality, Retail, Hair and Beauty) sponsored by Aylesbury Vale

District Council (AVDC) – Alex Lovett

Best Technical Apprentice (Motor Vehicle, Plumbing & Electrical) sponsored by AVDC – Michael Dunn

Best Construction Apprentice (Wood & Brick) sponsored by VAHT – Max Grimwade

Best Business Apprentice (Finance, Customer Service, Business Admin) – Jessica Taylor

Best Health & Social Care Apprentice (Dental & Care Homes) – Emma Ging

Best Child Care Apprentice (including Schools) – Alison Lockyer