Four Yorkshire apprentices reach final stages of Awards 2007

Dinnington Dental
Practice

Complete Computer
System

Shaun Anderson

The Crown Pub

The Apprenticeship Awards 2007, funded by the LSC, were held at the London Hilton on 15 June with four Apprenticeships from Yorkshire and the Humber getting through to the final stage of the prestigious awards.

Shaun Anderson, 25, an award finalist for Personal Achiever of the Year, left school without any GSCEs and with low self esteem. At 22 he decided to return to college where he began his Electrotechnical Advanced Apprenticeship. Shortly after beginning the course, Shaun was sentenced to six months imprisonment for affray due to alcohol consumption. Determined to continue with the course, Shaun arranged for his tutors to send him the relevant books and assignments he needed to stay on top of his Apprenticeship meaning that when he was released he was able to secure a new job.

Shaun has recently started his level 4 Apprenticeship with Wally Mays Electrical Ltd in Hull. He is set to complete this programme in July when he will become a fully qualified electrician.

Cath Bown, public house tenant at the Crown Pub, Rotherham was named as a finalist in the Micro Employers of the Year category. The public house currently employs two apprentices in their nine-strong team. Cath believes that Apprenticeships are the best way to motivate staff: "It gives them something to aim for. I want my staff to feel there is more to the bar assistant role than just serving drinks. Combining their job with the provision of a qualification gives them the ability to develop their career and go on to further education."

Another finalist in the same category was Leeds-based Complete Computer Systems. Set up in 1990 as a one man operation, the company has gone on to employ five members of staff and train five apprentices, one of them currently employed at the organisation. Bill Lumsden, managing director at Complete Computer Systems believes that 'on the job' training,combined with academic knowledge, produces the best technicians, benefiting both the employer and the employee.

Finally, The Dinnington Dental Practice, Sheffield, was short listed as Small Employer of the Year. The practice believes that Apprenticeships training is the oxygen that energises all aspects of their organisation. The practice employs 37 members of staff, eight of whom are apprentices. Significantly, all their managers and deputy managers began their careers as apprentices. Margret Naylor, principal dentist at the practice, commented: "As a dental practice we try to achieve the highest standards of care for our patients. Not only should staff be adequately trained, their skills should be continually upgraded and developed as new technology and advances in dental science arrive - Apprenticeships are a great way to do this."

To view the winners video clips click the podcast icon above.