Apprenticeship Awards 2010 launched
If every person in the East Midlands who started an Apprenticeship this year stood arm-to-arm, they would stretch from Nottingham to Leicester, according to the National Apprenticeship Service which has launched its seventh annual Apprenticeship Awards.
More than 21,800 people in the East Midlands began an Apprenticeship in 2009 - an increase of 29% over the last three years. The Awards celebrate these starters and all of England's apprentices, along with the businesses that employ them.
Karen Woodward, Regional Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: "The Apprenticeship Awards recognise the achievements of individuals engaged in training and the organisations that invest in them.
"Apprentices provide a real boost to Britain's economy, helping businesses secure a supply of people with the skills and qualities often not available on the external job market. They bring fresh ideas and innovation to organisations and help to increase staff retention."
Research shows that employers who employ apprentices can recoup their investment in as little as 18 months, with apprentices continuing to make a positive financial contribution to a business if retained. Paul Boulton, 24 and from Alfreton in Derbyshire, won 2009's Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award. After taking an Apprenticeship in Management and Team Leading with Barnardo's, he has become a store manager at one of the charity's shops sending sales rocketing by 70 per cent and helping to grow the team of volunteers to more than 50.
Paul's training has instilled in him the need to focus on the personal development of his team: " I've ensured that the confidence and morale of each of our volunteers has greatly increased," said Paul. "They feel effective members of the workforce and I`ve encouraged the majority to embark on their own work-based training qualifications. Many volunteers have moved into employment. "That's why I'm backing the Apprenticeships Awards," said Paul. "They help recognise the huge impact apprentices make every year to organisations across England."
To nominate an employer or apprentice in the East Midlands for an Award, go to apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards or call 08000 150 600 to find out more about Apprenticeships. Entries close on 26 February 2010 The regional winners will be announced in June and invited to a national final in July.
Image above: Paul Boulton with Roma Coope who works in the Barnado's shop.