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Virtual awards celebrate HSDC apprentices and their employers

February 11, 2022

Virtual award presentation with three people smiling on screen

Apprentices and businesses from a variety of industries have been celebrated for their achievements through HSDC’s annual National Apprenticeship Week awards.

With 11 categories ranging from Apprentice of the Year to Outstanding Investment in Employee Development, the awards acknowledge all the work which has been put in throughout the year to train the workforce of the future.

Virtual award presentation with ACP Freight

Award presentation with ACP Freight

The 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships has taken place this week, and HSDC has been sharing the love through virtual presentations to recognise our apprentices and employers.

Two awards were scooped up by apprentices from care home operator Colten Care, including Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Nicci Bailey, and Gemma Palmer who took home the Rising Star Award.

On the advice she would give to someone considering an apprenticeship, Gemma said: 

“I’d say absolutely go for it! It opens up so many opportunities, everyone has been so encouraging and helpful with everything. I couldn’t have had a better experience.”

Nicci feels the same way about her experience, and added:

“Go for it! There’s a lot to learn, there’s always different ways of looking at things and that’s what the course does for you, helps you think outside the box.”

Two awards recognised students for Exceptional Dedication and Commitment to English and Maths, which can be studied alongside completing an Apprenticeship.

Awarded in the Maths category was Jane Romer, who works for Apprenticeship Employer of the Year ENGIE. Jane said: 

“When I first started, I struggled really badly but as time has gone on, it’s gotten a little easier. I was really lucky because I’ve got people around me who are really supportive. All in all, I feel more positive as each week goes on.”

Cupcakes with HSDC branding

HSDC cupcakes which were delivered to businesses

A team of Apprenticeships staff also spent a day visiting businesses across the area earlier in the week, delivering delicious cakes created by Commis Chef apprentices and talking about the training courses offered on the Alton and South Downs campuses.

Businesses who enjoyed some sweet treats courtesy of HSDC included Hovertravel, Top Tots Day Nurseries, Hambledon Vineyard and many more.

One of the firms visited by our team was ACP Freight, which won the Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Apprenticeships Award this year.

Executive Co-ordinator Stacey Webber said: 

“We always see an apprentice as a member of staff as soon as they start working with us. They’re not separate, they’re part of the team, but it’s just understanding that they need a bit more patience as it’s their first step into the workplace.”

Here is the full list of awards handed out by HSDC during National Apprenticeship Week 2022:

  • Intermediate Apprentice of the Year 2021/2022 – Nicci Bailey – Colten Care
  • Advanced Apprentice of the Year 2021/2022 – Emma Quance – Growing Places
  • Higher Apprentice of the Year 2021/2022 – Charley Curtis – Kelvion (Read more in our News section)
  • Rising Star Award 2021/2022 – Gemma Palmer – Colten Care
  • Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace 2021/2022 – Darcey Sillett – Coffin Mew
  • Exceptional Dedication and Commitment to English – Michael Ngo – Fullers
  • Exceptional Dedication and Commitment to Maths – Jane Romer – ENGIE
  • Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2021/2022 – ENGIE
  • New Business Partnership – The Queens Hotel (Read more in our News section)
  • Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Apprenticeships – ACP Freight
  • Outstanding Investment in Employee Development – Southern Co-op