A Leeds College of Building Carpentry Apprentice is celebrating after becoming a finalist in The National Apprenticeship Awards 2019.
Joe Groves (19), from Wordsworth Interiors, was announced the winner of the NOCN Group Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the regional finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2019.
The award ceremony took place at Leeds Marriot Hotel. Joe will now progress on to the national stage of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2019 on November 27 alongside others from a wide range of industries and occupations.
In total, 18 apprentices, employers and individuals were recognised at the regional Yorkshire and The Humber award ceremony. Fellow, Leeds College of Building Apprentice, Connor Coupland from A One+, received a Highly Commended for The Advanced Apprentice of the Year 2019.
Education secretary, Gavin Williamson, said: “Huge congratulations to all of the regional winners. The National Apprenticeships Awards are a great opportunity to showcase the fantastic apprenticeship programmes available across the country and the amazing apprentices working in a range of exciting professions like hospitality, aviation and banking.
“Apprenticeships change lives, improve businesses and support local communities, so it’s great to see such a diverse range of employers and apprentices being recognised for their great work. I wish them all the best of luck for the final award ceremony in November.”
Keith Smith, director of the Apprenticeships Group, ESFA, said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards are important to the whole sector because they truly demonstrate how apprenticeships fire up careers, whilst recognising how apprenticeships enable employers to grow their own talent, reduce staff turnover and enhance the skills their company needs to succeed.
“The regional stages of the competition is an exciting time for employers, apprentices, individuals and stakeholders who all recognise the importance of skills to help our economy to thrive and grow locally, regionally and nationally.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in the regional ceremonies – the winners, those that were highly commended, sponsors and hosts. I know judges had a difficult time selecting winners – the depth and breadth of applications was astonishing and I look forward to seeing who wins across the English regions.”
Joe studies Site Carpentry at Leeds College of Building and was nominated as his tutors commented that he produces some of the best student work they have ever seen. He completed his level 2 NVQ well ahead of schedule.
Joe said: “I was so happy to be shortlisted, and when I heard my name called out I couldn’t believe that I had won the regional award, I had to do a quick speech and answered some questions on my time being an apprentice[…] We had a great day in a fantastic venue!”
Now in their 16th year, the National Apprenticeship Awards showcase the diverse and growing range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships, whilst celebrating the achievements of outstanding apprentices, apprentice employers and individuals to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and champion apprenticeships across England.
The awards were open to apprentices, individuals who promote apprenticeships, and employers of all sizes from all sectors. Those recognised as regional winners are apprenticeship exemplars, highlighting best practice across recruitment excellence, high-quality training practices, diversity and career progression.
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