NORTH-EAST apprentices and the staff that have been crucial in shaping their young careers have been honoured with awards in the 2017 National Apprenticeship Awards.

The apprentices and staff leaders have shown how they have contributed to the work place fighting off tough competition for the award.

One of the winners, recently married Amanda Weegram, joined the North-East Ambulance Service 10-years-ago as a care assistant and has now been promoted to a team manager.

Since taking on her role as apprenticeship lead for their southern division three years ago, Mrs. Weegram has mentored 18 apprentices. All have passed their apprenticeship and the majority now work for the Clinical Care and Transport service at the North-East Ambulance Service.

She said: “I’m really passionate about apprenticeships and have introduced several extra-curricular activities to ensure our apprentices have the best possible experience with us. It means the world to me when they secure their dream jobs and makes me feel good that I’ve played a part in their success.”

Yvonne Ormston, The North-East Ambulance Service Chief Executive, said: “Amanda really strives for excellence both for herself and her apprentices to ensure they are the best ambassadors for our organisation and this award is a testament to the hard work and effort she has put in.”

Chris Armstrong from GlaxoSmithKline, who won the degree apprentice of the year said: “My apprenticeship has been tough but very rewarding, and has allowed me to begin my career while working towards a degree.”

Other winners included are Dawn Cochrane, the winner of the intermediate apprentice of the year who works for South Tees Health Trust and Alice Hurren the advanced apprentice of the year for the department of education.