Industry partners joined Reaseheath College’s Apprenticeship and Business Hub teams at an awards ceremony to celebrate the success of their companies’ apprenticeship programmes.

The event, held during National Apprenticeship Week, featured the presentation of awards to businesses judged to have ‘gone the extra mile’ in their support for their apprenticeship programmes.

One of the country’s leading apprentice trainers, Reaseheath currently trains 788 apprentices within the land based industries and works in partnership with hundreds of large, medium and small employers. After completing their programme the majority of apprentices continue into permanent roles with their employers, who in turn benefit from a readily available succession of technically skilled employees.

Awards went to:

Employer of the Year – Large organisations with over 250 employees (Sponsored by OneFile)

Winner

Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in the transportation sector and has 37 UK sites including i Crewe Works, which is a major local employer. To ensure a supply of next generation skilled and qualified rail engineering technicians, the company has collaborated with Reaseheath’s apprenticeship training team to create a bespoke, high quality and continuously evolving apprenticeship programme.

Over 40 talented apprentices from sites throughout the North West, the Midlands and as far as London are currently on the three year programme, which is based at Reaseheath’s Engineering Apprenticeship Academy.

Alstom was awarded the accolade for its commitment to its apprenticeship programme, which the judges felt provides apprentices with a well rounded learning experience including mentorship, professional development and a clear career path. The company was also commended for embracing diversity and reaching out to minority groups when seeking employees.

Apprenticeship Development Manager, Jon Middleton, said: “Alstom is incredibly proud to be named Large Employer of the Year at Reaseheath’s Apprenticeship Awards. Apprentices are hugely important to our work across the country as they  bring new perspectives to our workforce and also help us build a robust pipeline of future talent to address nationwide skills gaps.

“Working in partnership with providers such as Reaseheath College, our apprentices are provided with the opportunity to learn from some of the very best in the industry, while gaining hands-on experience and working towards recognised qualifications.”

Finalists

Arla

Arla is a farmer owned dairy co-operative which is committed to high standards of animal welfare, product quality and food safety. Dairy technicians employed by the company complete a higher level apprenticeship offered through our Eden programme, which has been created by industry partners to answer the specific needs of the sector.

The judges praised Arla’s proactive approach to its apprenticeship programme, which includes study days visiting a range of sites so that apprentices have a well rounded understanding of how the company operates and the significance of their role within it. Arla’s structured plans for each individual, ensuring clarity of goals and milestones, was also noted.

First Bus

One of the UK’s leading UK bus operators, First Bus was recognised for its  nationally recognised Bus and Coach Engineering apprenticeship, now in its third year.

Last Autumn the company welcomed 52 new entrants onto its apprenticeship programme, its largest intake so far. It has also launched new programmes including a Team Leader Apprenticeship, enabling apprentices who have completed their first programme to progress towards management.

Currently 80 apprentices study at Reaseheath, with an above average pass rate. The apprenticeship includes training on the latest zero emission buses and a workplace style environment at Reaseheath’s Engineering Apprenticeship Academy ensures a seamless switch between depot and college learning.

Muller UK & Ireland

Muller also played a pivotal role in the creation of our Eden apprenticeship for higher level dairy technicians, and has continued to support and enhance the programme.

The company was praised for its proactive commitment to education and professional development and particularly for its collaborative engagement with Reaseheath’s curriculum teams, ensuring the course content is relevant and incorporates industry trends.

Employer of the Year – SME organisations with less than 250 employees (Sponsored by Every Connection Counts)

Winner

Prior Power Solutions

Based in Great Yarmouth, Prior Power Solutions has 44 years industry-specific experience in marine and industrial oil and gas engineering. The company currently has five apprentices across all departments – several close to finishing their qualifications – and a strong record of young talent progression into management roles.

The company’s apprentices benefit from a comprehensive training plan outlining the timing and methods of their learning, along with opportunities to work across a range of departments. This ensures they gain a thorough overview of this dynamic business.

Prior Power Solutions was praised for regularly communicating with college professionals and also for supporting its apprentices with specific equipment. Its active mentoring was also highlighted, as this allows apprentices to acquire valuable skills and knowledge in alignment with the company’s core values.

Service Manager Daniel Platten said: “We are delighted to receive this award for SME Employer of the Year. Prior Power Solutions has worked with Reaseheath College for a number of years in the delivery of Volvo Penta Industrial apprenticeships. We believe it’s important to support apprentices so we can keep the younger generation flowing through to support the industry over the coming years.”

Finalists

Garnett Farms

Ian Garnett, Owner of Garnett Farms in Knutsford, was selected due to his enduring commitment to the future of his apprentices.

Ian, who has had several apprentices with us, shares his own very relevant industry experience to facilitate learning and professional growth. He regularly collaborates with our skills coaches and is keen to contribute to his apprentices’ programme, proof of his ongoing dedication to the development and success of aspiring agricultural professionals.

Platinum Construction 

Nantwich based Platinum Construction proactively uses its apprenticeship programme to attract young talent into its workforce and genuinely invests in their future.

Apprentices are well supported by their employer and receive expert knowledge and skills training to ensure they successfully complete their programme. On a larger scale, the company’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce is without doubt contributing to the growth of the construction sector.

Apprentice Mentor of the Year (sponsored by First Bus)

Winner

Simon Holmes (T H White Group)

As Group Service Manager for Agriculture and Construction for engineering specialists T H White, Simon supports 15 land based service engineering apprentices across nine different sites across the south of England.

The company recognises that its future success lies in the hands of its next generation apprentices, sets high expectations and clear goals and actively promotes from within its workforce.

Simon’s role is highly respected. He delivers outstanding support to all his apprentices and works closely with Reaseheath to ensure the qualification correctly reflects industry requirements.

Simon commented: “I was very proud to receive this award, which recognises the bond built up between our apprentices, Reaseheath College and myself.”

Finalists

Lauren Gilbert (Park House Vets)

Sean Bell (First Bus)

Veronica Deery (County Vets Alsager)