Kathleen Sandford, learning and development administrator with the Community Housing Group in Kidderminster, won the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards.
The National Apprenticeship Awards, now in their twelfth year, took place on 26 January 2016. The awards are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.
Worcestershire LEP would like to congratulate Kathleen who was chosen as the winner in recognition of the outstanding contribution she has made to her company since joining as an apprentice in 2013.
Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Congratulations to Kathleen for your success at the National Apprenticeship Awards. Apprenticeships truly are set to be one of the great success stories of the decade, and Kathleen is a worthy ambassador.
We are committed to 3 million apprenticeships by 2020 so that even more young people can follow Kathleen’s lead and reap the benefits of apprenticeships.”
Employment Minister Priti Patel said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Kathleen for her fantastic achievement in being named the McDonald’s Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards.
Apprenticeships offer a fantastic way for many young people of all backgrounds to earn as they learn while providing employers with the transferable skills needed to take their business from strength to strength. We currently have record-breaking levels of employment – and this is boosted by prospects like apprenticeships. I want to see this continue.”
On accepting the award, Kathleen said: “As my knowledge and skills have grown, I`ve been given more responsibility within the department. I am now in charge of all Care and Support training, designing marketing materials, photography and running social media accounts.
I am proud of my journey to date. I believe and have seen the positive effect an apprenticeship can have on someone’s life. Just because you don’t go to university, it doesn’t mean you won’t succeed. I will carry on spreading this important message to inspire and motivate others.”
To view the full list of award winners and finalists or for more information about apprenticeships, visit the GOV.UK website. For further information on local apprenticeship opportunities or employing an apprentice, visit the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website.