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1 CONTENTS

3 Programme 14 Advanced Apprentice Award

4 Welcome 15 Intermediate Apprentice Award

5 About the Awards 16 Special Recognition Award

Apprenticeship Employer 6 Headline Sponsor 17 Award (250+ employees)

Apprenticeship Employer 7 Our Hosts 18 Award (<250 employees)

8 About OxLEP Skills 19 Shining Star Award

9 Our Sponsors & Supporters 20 Apprenticeship Champion Award

11 School Award 21 Design & Print

School Engagement Awards Sponsors 12 22 Employer Award & Supporters

13 Higher Apprentice Award

2 PROGRAMME

We’re delighted that we’re able to come together - albeit virtually - to celebrate the fantastic achievements of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2021 finalists.

This event will shine a spotlight on the county’s talented apprentices and those who support them.

Awards Categories

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust School Award OxLEP Skills School Engagement Employer Award Blenheim Higher Apprentice Award Nielsen Advanced Apprentice Award Abbott Diabetes Care Intermediate Apprentice Award Popham Hairdressing Special Recognition Award Clarkson Evans Apprenticeship Employer Award (250+ employees) The Burnside Partnership Apprenticeship Employer Award (<250 employees) Integration Technology Ltd Shining Star Award Oxford Brookes University Apprenticeship Champion Award High Spec Composites Apprentice Award

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the achievements of the county’s star Apprentices at the virtual Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2021. Congratulations to all the finalists!

 @OxonApprentice #OAAwards2021

3 WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE OXFORDSHIRE APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS 2021

On behalf of Oxfordshire Local Enterprise earlier in their respective careers – this is Partnership (OxLEP) and our Skills a message reiterated in the Oxfordshire Sub-group, I would like to welcome Local Industrial Strategy. you all to this year’s virtual Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards. Our high-performing economy is globally- competitive across many key sectors, I’m delighted that this event is able to including a number of transformative take place to celebrate the apprentices, technologies such as digital health, space employers, mentors and business leaders and satellites, connected and autonomous from across the county who have vehicles and technologies underpinning benefited from an exciting apprenticeship quantum computing. programme and excelled in their own unique way. Similar to last year, I think With such ‘world-class’ potential – on-top this year’s awards takes on particular of a thriving small business community – significance given the impact Coronavirus has had on businesses of all sizes and we are home to thousands of outstanding sectors. businesses, meaning our apprentices are genuinely the recipients of experiences like The fact that tonight’s finalists – like many no other. in Oxfordshire – have persevered and continued to either deliver or engage As was demonstrated through the creation with apprenticeship programmes, is real of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 credit to the thousands of people in the vaccine, as a county, Oxfordshire has a county who benefit from these schemes, reputation of ‘leading the way’, so, my whether it’s a business finding new talent message to tonight’s finalists – particularly for their organisation, or a young person our apprentices – is that there’s a world of making the most of an outstanding learning opportunities waiting for you right on your opportunity. doorstep, and this is just the first step.

Apprenticeships provide young people I wish all of tonight’s finalists the very best with the opportunity to gain new skills and of luck and hope that your achievements on-the-job experience, whilst earning a fair will inspire someone to apply for an wage and obtaining an industry-specific apprenticeship, or encourage a business to qualification. There are currently hundreds create one. of different types of apprenticeships available in Oxfordshire, covering a All that remains is for me to thank you for huge range of job roles. They each offer fantastic training opportunities to talented being part of tonight’s event and wish you individuals and benefit businesses too, with a fantastic evening – it’s wonderful to see new ideas helping them to stay ahead of you receive the recognition you deserve. their competitors. Nigel Tipple An unrivalled way of building-up the skills CEO, Oxfordshire of a workforce tailored to each business, Local Enterprise apprenticeships also enable businesses to Partnership engage with education providers, helping individuals to be ‘work ready’ much

4 ABOUT THE OXFORDSHIRE APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards The awards are business-led and self- were introduced in 2017 to celebrate the funded, with employers sponsoring the achievements of our county’s apprentices categories and other aspects of the and recognise the contribution they celebratory event. Category sponsors make to Oxfordshire’s economy and skills judge the entries and present the awards landscape. We have been overwhelmed on the night. by the quantity and quality of entries each year. If your organisation is interested in becoming a sponsor for the awards, The awards also recognise schools, who please contact Melanie Ringer at: play a crucial role in inspiring young people [email protected] to consider and start an apprenticeship. They also celebrate the commitment of Oxfordshire’s employers to providing high quality careers activities and apprenticeship opportunities.

THE OXFORDSHIRE APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS COMMITTEE

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards committee organise and run the awards and we’d like to thank them for their hard work and commitment to what is a year- round process. The committee comprises of Sarah Jaycock from headline sponsor High Spec Composites, Simon Newton and Tanya Webb from Darke & Taylor, Apprentice of the Year 2020 Teya Agnese from the University of Oxford and Sally Andreou and Melanie Ringer from OxLEP. The committee members bring a wealth of experience and creative ideas to the process, as well as representing the views of apprentices and both small and large From left to right: Sarah, Simon, Tanya, Melanie, Teya and Sally employers.

5 HEADLINE SPONSOR

HIGH SPEC COMPOSITES

High Spec Composites is a leading perfect opportunity to train individuals to composites company supplying high- bespoke business needs. specification carbon fibre components to a range of industries worldwide, specialising High Spec has been a passionate supporter in components for Formula One. Our of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Executive Director, Sarah Jaycock, has Awards, both as a committee member been on the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship and sponsor, since the awards launched Awards committee since it was formed in in 2017. Having grown our small business 2017. As headline sponsor, we will select through apprenticeships, we understand an overall Apprentice of the Year from the great benefits apprentices can bring the winners of the four Apprentice Award to a company and are keen to share categories. our positive experiences with a wider network whilst celebrating star apprentices High Spec Composites is a keen advocate throughout Oxfordshire. of apprenticeships, having grown the business through apprenticeship We’re very excited to be headline sponsor programmes since establishment in for 2021, as through our involvement in 2010. We have a 100% success rate with previous years we’ve had the pleasure completion of qualifications and all of our of seeing first-hand just how beneficial apprentices have been offered full-time and rewarding winning an Oxfordshire positions within High Spec Composites at Apprenticeship Award can be. the end of their learning. Our overall winner will be an apprentice Some of our more ambitious apprentices who excels within their position and have progressed though the business into continually exceeds employer expectations. leadership and management roles and We’re looking for an individual with others, with support from High Spec, have ambition and a great work ethic! launched into exciting roles within F1. T: 01869 243254 We have found employing apprentices E: [email protected] is not only cost-effective solution for www.hscomposites.co.uk expanding a small business, but also the

6 OUR HOSTS

TEYA AGNESE

Teya is a University Teya was chosen as the talented apprentices and of Oxford Apprentice overall Apprentice of the businesses that support working as a Clinical Year 2020 for going above apprenticeships.” Trial Support Officer in and beyond in her role as the Surgical Intervention well as going the extra Trials Unit (SITU), part of mile as an Apprenticeship the Nuffield Department Ambassador. of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Teya says: “I am delighted Musculoskeletal to have been invited to be Sciences (NDORMS). a part of the Oxfordshire She is studying a Level 3 Apprenticeship Awards Business Administration 2021 committee and Apprenticeship with to co-host this year’s Abingdon & Witney virtual awards ceremony, College. to celebrate so many

SIMON NEWTON

of Darke & Taylor, an foundation in 2017. Simon established local electrical is a strong advocate of business providing apprenticeships and in design, installation and addition to his day job maintenance services. is Chair of the Thames Valley Apprenticeship Darke & Taylor’s Ambassador Network for apprenticeship scheme employers. and their apprentices have won numerous awards Simon is delighted to co- and the scheme itself has host tonight’s awards and been in existence for over is really honoured to help 50 years. The company celebrate and recognise has sponsored the the talent of apprentices When not hosting, Simon Oxfordshire Apprenticeship throughout Oxfordshire. is Managing Director Awards since their

7 ABOUT OXLEP SKILLS

Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Local people are at the heart of our (OxLEP) is a business-led partnership ambition – ensuring that all sections of between local authorities, education society are benefitting from Oxfordshire’s providers and private sector businesses. growth and increased economic success. OxLEP plays a central role in determining Our strategic priorities include a more local economic priorities, undertakes integrated and employer led approach to activities that drive economic growth, skills and training development; continued creates jobs and increases workforce skills and co-ordinated support for young people within the local area. at the start of their employment journey (including T Levels and apprenticeship Oxfordshire has been a strongly performing support for those furthest from the labour economy, with strong economic growth market); and improving the retention rate, across a range of high-value sectors. both vocational and graduate, of those who However, this economic success has led to have learnt in the county, to stay and have a traditionally tight labour market, which thriving careers here. is currently a little more flexible due to COVID-19 but is predicted to contract back If you are interested in how OxLEP Skills within 12 months. can help you, please get in touch.

Oxfordshire has a well-established skills Sally Andreou eco-system that has supported recent Skills Hub Manager growth in our innovative clusters which we need to maintain in the post-Brexit era. T: 0345 241 1196 With a truly global workforce drawn by a E: [email protected] high quality of life, world class research www.oxfordshirelep.com/skills and a range of employment options we aim to help Oxfordshire to focus on retaining the existing skills of our businesses whilst focussing on ensuring that the present and next generation have access to the skills businesses need – both current and projected.

8 OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

A huge thank you to all the generous sponsors and supporters, particularly our headline sponsor High Spec Composites, who have made the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards possible. Your support is very much appreciated.

9 OXFORDSHIRE APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS 2020

10 SCHOOL AWARD

SPONSORED BY OXFORD UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Oxford University Hospitals NHS choices and support individuals who have Foundation Trust is a large teaching had barriers to overcome to achieve their hospital and a world class research journey and whose victories are not so centre, employing 13,000 staff. Currently easily won. 460 apprentices are training in various programmes from intermediate to degree T: 0300 304 7777 level. E: [email protected] www.ouh.nhs.uk The School Award recognises schools that promote apprenticeships to students and their parents/carers as a viable and credible post-16 option, as part of a wide ranging and inclusive careers programme. This includes engaging with employers and using innovative approaches to inform and inspire students.

We are honoured to celebrate the achievements of schools who have excelled to help young people to make career

COMMENDED SCHOOLS

The following schools are recognised for their commitment to the continuation of careers education and employer engagement, including the promotion of apprenticeships, during the exceptional circumstances resulting from COVID-19.

Carterton Community College Didcot Girls School Europa School UK Frank Wise School Icknield Community College Larkmead School Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge

11 SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT EMPLOYER AWARD

SPONSORED BY OXLEP SKILLS

OxLEP Skills is committed to inspiring This award will be given to an employer young people about the career and training that has taken engagement with local opportunities available in Oxfordshire and schools and colleges to another level, helping to prepare them for the world of exceeding all expectations, in order to work. Through our continued partnership inspire the next generation of talent. with the Careers & Enterprise Company, hundreds of Oxfordshire’s employers T: 01865 897189 donate their time in order to inspire the E: [email protected] next generation, such as providing virtual www.oxfordshirelep.com/skills workplace encounters, industry insights or career-related projects.

Through sponsoring this new award, we want to recognise the importance of employer engagement in education and the opportunities it holds, not only for giving back through volunteering, but as a route to creating a talent pipeline for new apprentices.

FINALISTS

Burford Recruitment Morgan Sindall Pearson Company Morgan Sindall is Pearson Oxford engage Directors Jodie and Chris committed to providing with local schools in a both work with Abingdon career inspiration and job variety of ways, including & Witney College as opportunities and creating as Enterprise Advisers and Enterprise Advisers. They talent pipelines to boost 6th form mentors. They provide ongoing careers skills in the construction arranged a ‘Takeover Day’ advice and guidance for industry. They are currently for 10 Year 7 students from learners, including ad hoc building at Orion Academy, Didcot Girls’ School to find support for individual a special educational needs out about being a publisher. students. They also support and disabilities school They have adapted to their local schools through in Oxford. Site Manager lockdown, for example taking part in mock Charles supports the introducing virtual mock interviews and business school as an Enterprise interviews at Wheatley Park breakfasts and have Adviser and the company School and running a virtual introduced Careers Leaders has engaged students in work experience week in to their weekly business activities such as work January 2021, which was networking group to help placements and a brick attended by 428 students them to engage with other signing and careers from 18 schools. employers. information event.

12 HIGHER APPRENTICE AWARD

SPONSORED BY BLENHEIM

Apprenticeships are highly valued at for apprenticeships in Oxfordshire, who is Blenheim. We have a 10-year plan in place dedicated and has made a big impact on to employ 100 apprentices across the their employer. Estate. T: 01993 810530 We support the Oxfordshire E: [email protected] Apprenticeship Awards to celebrate what www.blenheimpalace.com apprentices achieve individually as well as raising awareness of how vital it is for local businesses to support apprenticeships.

We have chosen to sponsor the Higher Apprentice Award because we want to recognise those who have continued with apprenticeships and really used them to maximise and develop their career.

Our award will be given to someone who has worked extremely hard and is an ambassador for their local community and

FINALISTS

Rosie Lay, UK Atomic Nathan Jarvis, Callam Woolgar, Adactus Energy Authority Oxford Biomedica As well as being a skilled Associate Project Manager Biotechnologist Apprentice technician, Software Apprentice Rosie’s Nathan is a strong leader Developer Apprentice achievements include and valued team player. Callam is dedicated, starting up a new ‘Being He specialised in the hardworking, helpful and Inclusive Project’ to help manufacture of the Oxford/ polite. He builds strong improve equality, diversity AstraZenca COVID-19 relationships with clients and inclusion and winning vaccine, quickly becoming and receives excellent a bid to bring new funds a senior operator and feedback. He is able to into her department, an leading multiple processes constructively challenge important and challenging whilst training operators. and bring in new ideas to part of business at UKAEA His achievements have the company’s software that many in more senior resulted in improved development through roles do not achieve. Rosie practice, increased his training, research is a natural and kind leader safety and reduced and experience. Callam who is dedicated, proactive environmental impact. consistently adds value, and enthusiastic. She He has given a speech at from rebuilding the inspires future apprentices the House of Commons company website to through outreach activities about the importance of generating additional in local schools. apprenticeships. revenue across several clients. 13 www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk #OAAwards2021 ADVANCED APPRENTICE AWARD

SPONSORED BY NIELSENIQ

NielsenIQ provides consumer packaged We have chosen to sponsor the goods manufacturers and retailers with Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards as accurate, actionable information and we believe they highlight to the wider insights and a complete picture of the Oxfordshire business community the complex and changing marketplace that value apprentices bring to organisations companies need to innovate and grow. and can encourage businesses to support Nielsen has operations in nearly 100 local people through apprenticeship countries, covering more than 90% of the programmes. world’s population. For more information visit: We launched our first apprenticeship www.nielsen.com/us/en/contact-us programme in 2014 - our Level 5 Apprenticeship in Business Innovation and Growth. Since then we have introduced apprenticeships at Level 3 and 6, with our degree apprentices completing three-year rotations around the business whilst studying for a BA (Hons) degree in Business and Management Practice.

FINALISTS

Emilia Reyes Pabon, Jane Szluha, Luther Street Heather Zeale, Oxfordshire University of Oxford Medical Centre County Council Laboratory Technician Already a caring and Outdoor Education Apprentice Emilia played resilient manager, Team Apprentice Heather is a crucial role in the Leader/Supervisor a compassionate and production of the UK’s first Apprentice Jane has gone enthusiastic professional COVID-19 vaccine – the the extra mile during the who has worked tirelessly biggest challenge ever pandemic to ensure that to support vulnerable faced by her team at the her team feel valued, children and families Clinical BioManufacturing listened to and safe. She throughout lockdown Facility. Emilia’s reliability, has provided direction and whilst continuing with commitment and leadership at an extremely her apprenticeship. She dedication were key to the challenging time and put is selfless with her time, team’s success. She is a in place robust processes working closely with passionate ambassador for and procedures to ensure children outside of her apprenticeships, taking part the safety and wellbeing usual working hours and in both local and national of all staff, patients and dedicating herself to campaigns to inspire other visitors. Jane has used her finding new and inventive young women to choose a apprenticeship to develop ways of getting them career in science. her skills and improve involved and enriching processes for her staff. their lives.

14 INTERMEDIATE APPRENTICE AWARD

SPONSORED BY ABBOTT DIABETES CARE

Abbott Diabetes Care develop healthcare has demonstrated the ability to take their solutions, from next-generation diagnostic learning and apply it in the workplace. tools that put patients on the path to better health sooner to trusted medicines that T: 0800 170 1177 help people of all ages stay active and vital. www.abbott.co.uk

We have employed apprentices for over 20 years, with most of our apprentices still working with us. Our apprentices help move our business forward and we are looking at how we can expand our scheme to take more.

Our award will be given to an enthusiastic and committed individual who has embraced the opportunity to mix learning and work experience to deepen their knowledge and understanding and who

FINALISTS

Mia Bowles, Ella Lee, The Julie Bruce George James, The Skincare Clinic Dance/Drama Academy Ignite Sport UK Beauty Therapist Ella is an Apprentice Apprentice Sports Coach Apprentice Mia is Dance Teacher, working George consistently shows passionate about her job, with students of all ages great determination, workplace and industry. and levels. When the enthusiasm, energy She is a confident, kind and school had to close due to and a passion for sport, caring therapist who will lockdown, Ella remained something that is always go the extra mile to positive and continued absolutely crucial in his help clients and colleagues. her training online. She is role. He always wears a Mia demonstrates maturity, passionate about dance smile and rises to any ambition and a professional and her enthusiasm and challenge put in front attitude to her work. dedication are inspiring for of him. George engages Despite having to adapt to her students. She has been well with children and learning online during the holding free extra classes ensures that they have fun pandemic, Mia has willingly online both to support whilst learning key skills. and successfully taken on a students who are struggling During lockdown, George full column of clients, which with exam work and to transitioned well to online has been a huge financial help them prepare for a learning and continued to help to the business during performance at the Dance be a very active, engaged uncertain times. World Cup in Spain later and proactive learner. this year. 15 www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk #OAAwards2021 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

SPONSORED BY POPHAM HAIRDRESSING

Popham Hairdressing is the only UK dedication, commitment and strength. hairdressing company to be awarded Champion Investor in People. T: 03300 415480 E: [email protected] We have a compassionate commitment www.popham.com to our apprentices and have worked with individuals to overcome low self-esteem whilst actively encouraging them to excel in their careers. Our directors and training manager are always on hand to guide them and ensure our delivery of the scheme is exemplary.

We have sponsored the Special Recognition Award for the last two years, after our apprentice Libby was Highly Commended in this category in 2019. We know how much it meant to her and how important it is to recognise apprentices who have overcome challenges and their

FINALISTS

Susan Halliwell, Oxford George James, Ellie Knight, Health NHS Foundation Ignite Sport UK University of Oxford Trust Apprentice Sports Coach At just 17, Apprentice Susan is a Health Care George has a medical Business Administrator Ellie Assistant Apprentice diagnosis of Tourette’s had to start her role in the working on the Specialist syndrome. His self- Finance Division working Stroke Rehabilitation Ward. awareness, maturity and remotely at a time when She works in a person- willingness to share his lockdown placed huge centred way and always feelings enabled him to additional demands on her with a smile, supporting work with his employer to team. They relied heavily nurses and therapists with create a thriving learning on Ellie’s initiative, tenacity, patients’ rehabilitation environment. Through outstanding efficiency and needs. During the hard work, his confidence determination to manage pandemic, Susan has faced grew, and he developed complex and difficult some challenging situations excellent coping strategies, situations and tasks and due to her shielding learning how to project couldn’t have got through status. Her enthusiasm his voice and relay the pandemic without her. and ambition to develop instructions clearly. George Ellie does everything with her skills and knowledge is determined not to let his a smile, even pre and post have shone throughout this condition hold him back recent emergency surgery. difficult time. and is a fantastic role model. 16 APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER AWARD (250+ EMPLOYEES)

SPONSORED BY CLARKSON EVANS

Clarkson Evans is the UK’s leading T: 01452 530336 specialist in wiring new homes, completing E: [email protected] the installations in 24,000 houses www.clarksonevans.co.uk nationwide each year. We employ around 250 Electrical Apprentices and train them at our own purpose-built centres, offering long-term careers with opportunities to progress into supervisory roles.

Based on our previous involvement in the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards, we’ve seen how they showcase the best local employers and training providers and the high calibre of the county’s most talented apprentices. We’re looking forward to once again recognising the commitment of the most supportive large apprenticeship employers and celebrating the great work that goes into making such a difference to career prospects for so many people.

FINALISTS

Oxford Biomedica UK Atomic Energy University of Oxford Authority Oxford Biomedica’s (OXB) The University of Oxford mission is to deliver life- UKAEA is the UK’s national brings together the changing gene therapies nuclear fusion laboratory. brightest minds from to patients. In 2020, OXB They currently employ 96 around the world. added 8 new apprentices new start apprentices and They currently employ to the 10 already on 22 upskilling apprentices 150+ apprentices on programme. Roles range and plan to recruit another programmes ranging from from Science Manufacturing 30 this year. UKAEA has Level 2 to 7. Apprentices Technician (Level 3) invested in a long-term are fully supported from to Regulatory Affairs equality, diversity and start to finish, and over Specialist for Advanced inclusion strategy, which 80% stay within the Therapies (Level 7). Due has resulted in an increase department into which to the level of support and in female and BAME they were recruited. The focus on teamwork at OXB, applicants. Apprentices University aspires to build COVID-19 has not disrupted receive exceptional a truly diverse community, the careers, progress or support, additional which values and respects personal development of training and enrichment every individual’s unique their apprentices. opportunities, which helps contribution. The University to encourage retention. pays all apprentices the Oxford Living Wage.

17 www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk #OAAwards2021 APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER AWARD (<250 EMPLOYEES)

SPONSORED BY THE BURNSIDE PARTNERSHIP

The Burnside Partnership is made up of a recently modernised historic building in an team of experts who specialise in private area of outstanding natural beauty on the client, tax & trusts and contentious wills Blenheim Palace Estate. and estates advice. In response to our clients’ needs, we also offer a bespoke T: 01865 900572 property service. Many of our advisors are E: [email protected] recognised experts in their field and they www.theburnsidepartnership.com and our firm have won a number of awards.

We have been committed to apprenticeships since we were founded in 2015. Our first apprentice won Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year and is now working with us as a trainee legal executive. In 2019 we were delighted to be named as Oxfordshire Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year. This year we recruited two paralegal apprentices.

Our Oxfordshire offices are based in

FINALISTS

Adactus Electrogenic Ltd Ikkaido Adactus is a software Electrogenic convert Ikkaido is a charity that development company internal combustion engine engages people who are employing 19 people. vehicles to all-electric. They disabled or disadvantaged Apprenticeships are employ 12 people, including through martial arts a crucial part of the 2 apprentices. They are activity. They employ business’s development a specialist business and 10 people, including 4 and growth. Their expect their apprentices apprentices. Ikkaido has apprentices add value to grow and stay with the created an inclusive, in various ways, from company. Each vehicle accessible work and building a new company is assigned to a team of learning environment that website to bringing in new 2 – a senior mechanic and provides opportunities revenue. Their apprentices an apprentice, with the for people who may are always employed on aim that the apprentice not otherwise be able permanent contracts, and will lead their own team to work or complete all have stayed with the within 3 years. Electrogenic an apprenticeship due business on completion. supports the Heritage to learning or physical Adactus supports 2 of their Skills Academy to develop disabilities or previous local schools with careers an electrification and unemployment. initiatives, including work conversion course to experience. benefit other employers and their apprentices. 18 SHINING STAR AWARD

SPONSORED BY INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGY LTD

Integration Technology Ltd is a pioneering The Shining Star Award and its criteria fits designer and developer of UV curing the ethos Integration Technology promotes solutions for industrial inkjet printing, as around apprenticeships. well as other emerging technologies. T: 01869 233611 We have been a long-time supporter not E: [email protected] only of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship www.uvintegration.com Awards but of apprenticeships in general. We look at apprenticeships as a means of recruitment and have rolled out various programmes over the years. Our CEO Adrian Lockwood is a former apprentice and very proud to be one. He is also Chair of the Oxfordshire Skills Board and passionate about supporting young people to start a successful career and encouraging local businesses to see how apprenticeships can help them meet their skills requirements.

FINALISTS

Olivia Cooper, Oxfordshire Barry Preston, UK Atomic Ryan Smith, County Council Energy Authority Thames Valley Police Olivia joined Oxfordshire Barry joined UKAEA as Ryan started an County Council in 2019 as an Electrical Apprentice Infrastructure Technician a Business Administration in 2013. He worked hard Apprenticeship with Apprentice in Children’s to grow his knowledge Thames Valley Police (TVP) Social Care (CSC). She is and experience to in 2018. On completion, he proactive, hard-working, become a technical was successful in securing always happy to accept a expert, progressing from an Application Support challenge and keen to learn apprentice to senior Analyst role. Ryan always new skills. During Spring engineer. He is now goes above and beyond 2020, Olivia supported working towards a degree and has absorbed every the CSC lead with co- in engineering. Barry has opportunity that has come ordinating equipment also developed excellent his way. He volunteers to for children from over people skills, becoming a support the department, 300 schools. Her work mentor and enabling others such as being part of a meant that some of the to reach their full potential. focus group reviewing most vulnerable children He continues to share his processes and organising in Oxfordshire were able passion for engineering an annual away day. Ryan to home school during with the next generation by is now undertaking a lockdown. giving talks and taking part degree to further his in STEM careers activities. knowledge. 19 www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk #OAAwards2021 APPRENTICESHIP CHAMPION AWARD

SPONSORED BY OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY

Oxford Brookes is one of the UK’s who have gone the extra mile at this leading modern universities and enjoys challenging time to keep learners in an international reputation for teaching their apprenticeships and to continue excellence and innovation as well as championing apprenticeships as a fantastic strong links with business and industry. career choice. We deliver a number of degree and higher apprenticeship standards from level 5 to 7 T: 01865 484944 and currently have around 450 apprentices E: [email protected] enrolled. www.brookes.ac.uk

We are particularly proud this year of our healthcare apprentices, a number of whom took a temporary break from their apprenticeship so that they could support their colleagues in the fight against COVID-19.

We are proud to sponsor the Awards for the fourth year running and that our award will this year recognise individuals

FINALISTS

Steve Beaumont, Heritage Hannah Bladen, Ignite Becky Elsworth, Oxford Skills Academy Sport UK Health NHS Foundation Trust At the start of lockdown General Manager Hannah in March 2020, Training is passionate about Apprenticeship Manager Director Steve quickly helping young people Becky has worked tirelessly converted a practical and to get a good start in throughout the pandemic complex apprenticeship life. She looks beyond to promote and develop programme to online academic background, apprenticeships across her remote learning. He kept additional needs and organisation and beyond, 100 apprentices across behavioural challenges including introducing new 10 cohorts engaged and and sees potential. Her programmes and keeping motivated, achieving caring, patient ‘support current apprentices on 100% attendance. Steve’s and challenge’ approach track, moving learning resilience, tireless work, and helps young people to onto a virtual platform. enthusiasm has enabled develop and flourish. She Becky’s enthusiasm, Heritage Skills Academy used creative ways to motivation and devotion to continue recruiting both keep all her apprentices to her work and her team employers and apprentices engaged and motivated are inspiring. Despite her throughout the pandemic, during lockdown. One of very heavy work schedule, and take on 5 new staff Hannah’s ambitions is to Becky always finds time to since March 2020. ensure Ignite Sport UK has support the people around a diverse workforce. her. 20 DESIGN & PRINT

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD PRINT STUDIO

studio. No two working days are the same and the on-the-job training means that I am learning new skills all the time. I particularly like that the role is diverse and busy with lots of customer interaction. I cannot believe how time has flown by since I started. I am developing my administration skills which will enable me to have a variety of job roles in the future and a satisfying and progressive career.”

Bob Malloy, Print Studio Manager says: A huge thank you to the University of “It’s a real privilege to be actively involved Oxford Print Studio – Bob, Jason, Chris, in the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Renaud, Imogen, Andy and Jordan - for Awards again this year. Jordan Morris, their generous support with design and Apprenticeship Ambassador of the Year print for the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship in 2019, has been involved in designing Awards. and printing the certificates whilst Imogen supports the team in an administrative Imogen Taylor joined the print studio role. Both Jordan and Imogen are actively team last year and says of her role as a involved as ambassadors visiting schools Business Administration Apprentice: “I and passing on their enthusiasm for this am lucky enough to be the first Business worthwhile scheme. We are proud of the Administration Apprentice in the print work they are doing.”

EMMA DAVIS

within a star to represent the shining star Apprentices who are recognised by the Awards.

Emma has always been passionate about Design from favouring Art as a topic at school to studying a Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design at the City of Oxford College in 2013. Emma has since been putting her love of artwork into printed and web- based products; designing and editing for Oxfordshire based Illustrator and Designer a diverse range of projects and continuing Emma Davis, 23, volunteered to design work for the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship the fantastic Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards. Awards logo and branding back in 2017. We can’t thank Emma enough for all her The stylish logo design depicting both hard work and creative genius! View more the rural and city aspects of Oxfordshire of Emma’s work at www.designems.com

21 www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk #OAAwards2021 AWARDS SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

OXFORD MEDIA FACTORY

Apprenticeships offer such a great opportunity to both young people and those looking to retrain in their careers.

Our award-winning work comes from being partners with our clients. This allows us to produce something that resonates with the audience, as well as sparking interest and imagination. As ever, we will go above and beyond to make sure that the team, audience, finalists and winners of the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards get this experience for their special event.

Oxford Media Factory is extremely proud We look forward to virtually seeing you all to be the media partner for the Oxfordshire on the evening! Apprenticeship Awards. While we are a full- service video production agency based in T: 01865 522678 Eynsham, Oxfordshire, close to our hearts E: [email protected] is working with charities, community and @oxmediafactory youth projects, so being a media partner www.oxfordmediafactory.co.uk for these awards was a no-brainer.

DARKE & TAYLOR

The Apprenticeship initiative at Darke & Taylor has evolved over time to become the cornerstone on which the company and its progression is founded. Today it is a vital part of the business model of a company that recognises that success is about developing people.

Our scheme is special because it really delivers; over 50% of our senior management and the majority of our senior engineers completed their Apprenticeships with the company and at any one time up to 25% of the workforce are working towards an apprenticeship.

Our Apprentices and our scheme have won awards and we know what a positive Awards for the fifth year running. impact this has on our business, which makes us all the more keen to support T: 01865 290000 our local awards. We are delighted to be E: [email protected] sponsoring the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship darkeandtaylor.co.uk

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SST TECHNOLOGY

conditions and severe vibration loads are experienced.

We are a fast-growing company, investing in new technologies and also investing in people to support the company’s growth plans. We started our apprenticeship programme in 2013 to help meet our skills needs and have found that our apprentices add a whole new dimension to our workplace, bringing a fresh perspective and new ideas.

We are proud to support the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards and celebrate the SST Technology is an engineering business achievements of local apprentices and the specialising in the design and manufacture dedication of their employers. of bespoke, advanced precision fabrications and thermal management T: 01865 731018 systems for high tech industries. Products E: [email protected] are used in harsh environments where www.sstubetechnology.com extreme temperatures, highly corrosive

SOUTH EAST APPRENTICESHIP AMBASSADOR NETWORK

The South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (SEAAN) is of a group of employers whose main aim is to spearhead the drive to engage new employers to commit to apprenticeship delivery across SE England.

Ambassadors undertake their role, on a voluntary basis, by supporting and influencing a wide range of key stakeholders including schools, colleges, employers and their supply chains, trade associations and employment bodies.

They champion and support marketing, publicity and events to raise awareness of apprenticeships. They also provide Apprenticeship Ambassador Network mentoring and support for employers (YAAN) attached to the SEAAN. The YAAN looking to recruit apprentices for the first helps to promote apprenticeships to young time. people.

There is also a well-established Young Find out more at seaan.org.uk

23 www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk #OAAwards2021 AWARDS SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

UK ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY

and more recently many other business disciplines.

The UKAEA apprenticeship scheme has been operating successfully since 1947. Maintaining high-quality training delivery is a major factor to the successful operation of our facility. UKAEA recognise that a highly skilled workforce is more effective and innovative and brings added gains beyond these including excellent organisational image and staff retention.

We wish to inspire the next generation and enthuse young people about the exciting and rewarding career opportunities The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) available through apprenticeship training. is proud to sponsor the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2021. Apprentices T: 01235 464430 have always been a very important part E: [email protected] of our strategy for training the next ccfe.ukaea.uk generation of engineers and technicians

OXFORDSHIRE ADVANCED SKILLS

Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) offers high quality training for apprentice engineers and technicians at technology businesses in the Thames Valley.

We train work-ready apprentices with the competencies expected in the workplace and offer an employer-led, value for money training programme.

Located at UKAEA’s Culham Science Centre near Abingdon, OAS is a partnership between the UK Atomic Energy Authority and the Science & Technology Facilities Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship Council. The two organisations have a helps learners develop the skills needed for history of apprentice training in science delivering the technologies of the future in and engineering stretching back more than the high value manufacturing sector, both 70 years. in Oxfordshire and across the UK.

Our new centre, opened in September T: 02476 701557 2019, is managed by our apprentice training E: [email protected] partner MTC Apprenticeships. MTC’s www.oas.ukaea.uk

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OXFORDSHIRE SKILLS FOR BUSINESS

work placements and developing processes and plans.

Through this practical support, SMEs will receive a Skills Needs Assessment to identify skills gaps, and a bespoke training and development plan to highlight options and opportunities. They will also receive ongoing advice, recommendations and guidance through 1:1 consultancy sessions. The skills landscape can be confusing for small businesses. OxLEP’s Skills for Apprenticeships play a key part in staff Business programme is here to help! Part-funded by the European Social Fund, development and business growth for the programme offers small and medium SMEs and so Oxfordshire Skills for Business sized enterprises (SMEs) up to 12 hours is delighted to recognise and celebrate of training and development consultancy, them as a sponsor of the Oxfordshire worth the equivalent of £1800, free of Apprenticeship Awards 2021. charge. T: 01865 897189 Support could range from advice on E: [email protected] apprenticeships, recruitment, upskilling, www.oxfordshirelep.com/sfb

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to delivering quality services and value for money on behalf of the county’s 600,000+ residents. We put residents at the heart of everything we do and our approach to supporting thriving communities is as diverse as they are.

We have been employing apprentices since 2006 and by 2020 we had enrolled over 600 apprentices. Our apprentices improve our services and help our organisation go from strength to strength.

We offer a wide range of apprenticeships from level 2 to level 7 in fields as diverse as Occupational Therapist, Solicitor and Civil their apprentices and recognise the people Engineer. who work hard to make apprenticeships happen. We are proud to support the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards, which are a great T: 01865 792422 opportunity for employers to celebrate www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

25 www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk #OAAwards2021  @OxonApprentice #OAAwards2021