The South West Grid for Learning is extremely proud to have received two awards in the ETS South West Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards.

On the evening of Tuesday, 8th February, members of the South West Grid for Learning Web Team attended an awards evening at Buckerell Lodge in Exeter to collect the following awards:

Outstanding Contribution of the Year, to Ben Metcalfe, SWGfL's Web Support Officer:

Ben was nominated by the organisation for the continued commitment and drive he has demonstrated to achieve in his Apprenticeship, and to improve his long term career prospects. In particular, the nomination highlighted the massive personal achievement Ben has made, in moving from stating on his application that he sought a job where he didn't "wake up dreading going to work" to a position where he looked forward to going to work, and where his work was aired in front of an audience of 500 and Sir Bob Geldof at SWGfL's 2010 Regional ICT Conferences [Ben prepared the ‘slates’ used to introduce speakers, and on projections throughout the conference venue].

Small Business Employer of the Year, to the South West Grid for Learning, represented by Richard Boyd, SWGfL's Lead Web Developer:

The organisation was nominated by Ben for the support it has given to Ben throughout his Apprenticeship to date; describing how the organisation had given him an opportunity "to turn [his] life around" and fulfil a career ambition he has held since leaving full time education 8 years ago.

On receiving the awards, Richard commented “As an organisation with the Region's learners at its heart, the South West Grid for Learning is proud to participate in the Apprenticeships programme and proud of the achievements that have been recognised this evening.”

Roz May, Regional Manager for ETS commented:

"The commitment to apprenticeships and the continued support of the apprentice, the mutual respect for each other really stood out for the judges with these nominations. The fact that the company was prepared to give the opportunity to someone who had no experience in their field and to create a position especially for them was seen as outstanding support for the apprenticeship system. Bens passion for what he is doing and the companies recognition of his achievements". 

 

For further information on Apprenticeships, and the value they can present to young people and employers alike, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

Exeter based Education + Training Skills (ETS) are providers of the Apprenticeships programme within Devon and Cornwall, for further information, please visit www.etsgroup.co.uk.


Published: 09/02/2011 16:45:01