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Proskills UK Celebrates the Best New Talent at the 2009 Apprenticeship Awards

20 November 2009

The UK’s brightest new talent from across the process and manufacturing sector were last night recognised by Proskills UK , at its 2009 Apprenticeship Awards ceremony held in the West Midlands.

Run by Proskills and its Academy, the Awards celebrated the achievements of apprentices and their employers. 

Commenting on the Apprenticeship Awards, Chief Executive of Proskills UK, Terry Watts said, “There is nothing more inspiring than to see bright new talent entering our industries as a result of the apprenticeship programme. 

We have again been amazed by the quality of achievement of these young apprentices who have shown what exceptional talent we have within the UK workforce and it is encouraging to see that employers are investing and committing to apprenticeship training. “

In its third year, the Proskills Apprenticeship awards celebrate a high calibre of entries from across the UK. The three award categories, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Achiever of the Year, acknowledge and celebrate apprentice’s commitment to their work, development and to the outstanding contribution that they have made to their workplace.

The top honour of the evening went to Paul Harvey, a Glazier from Wirral Partnership Homes, Birkenhead, who was presented with the ‘Advanced Apprentice of the Year’ award during the ceremony, which took place at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel, Warwickshire on the 19th November 2009. 

Gary Parton, a Mechanical Engineer from Ibstock Brick,  Newcastle Under Lyme was named ‘Apprentice of the Year’, while ‘Achiever of the Year’ went to Elvin Baffour from Able and Ryan in London, in recognition of his achievements during his apprenticeship in French Polishing and Furniture restoration.

Terry Watts continued “The Awards recognise and celebrate the hard work, commitment and achievement of apprentices and employers who drive business performance by using apprenticeships.”

“We are all too aware of the challenges we face to address the skills gaps in our workforce, and by implementing successful apprenticeship programmes. We can grow our own talent from within, so employees have the skills they really need, as well as ensuring that the invaluable knowledge of experienced staff is kept within the business and passed on to future generations.”

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