THE achievements of the North East industry’s leading lights and shining stars were celebrated at the National Apprenticeship Service Awards 2021.

Among the winners was Unipres Maintenance Technician, Eden McGlen, who scooped the inaugural Mike Wade Trophy - a new North East region honour dedicated to the memory of the much-loved Apprenticeship Ambassador.

Another major award was picked up by Senior Controller - Global Training Centre and Nissan Skills Foundation, Ian Green, named Apprenticeship Champion of the year.

The event, organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, acts as the regional heat for the National Apprenticeship Awards, in which the winners will compete in December.

NEAAN Chair, George Ritchie MBE, said: “Out of adversity comes strength and what an incredibly proud moment it was to see some of our brightest talent recognised at this online event, given the obstacles and heartache many have overcome this past 18 months.

“Congratulations to all winners and everyone who entered, it was an incredibly talented field.

“I have said it before and I’ll say it again, our region is a hotbed of talent and it is up to our fantastic businesses and organisations to harness the enthusiasm, innovation and work ethic of our apprentices and utilise it to create the successful economy of the future.”

Employer of the Year - McCarrick Construction.

Large Employer - Northumbrian Water

Macro Employer of the Year - Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Hays Travel highly commended)

Recruitment Excellence - Northumbrian Water (Hays Travel highly commended)

Individual categories:

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year - Eryn Wood (Ross Fiori highly commended)

Advanced Apprentice of the Year - Eden McGlen (Victoria Heron highly commended)

Award for Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year - Kate Todd-Davis (Jessica Clark highly commended)

Award for Rising Star of the Year - William Gallon (Jason Henry highly commended)

Award for Apprenticeship Champion of the Year - Ian Green (Natasha Scorer highly commended)

Young Apprenticeships Ambassador Network Chair, Emma Beauchamp, said: “It's been amazing to see the winners recognised for the hard work they’ve put in either making their organisation a great place for an apprentice or within their own apprenticeship. All of them highlighted the incredible talent we have here in the North East.

“Seeing both Ian Green, one of our AAN Vice-Chairs, and Natasha Scorer, one of our YAAN Vice-Chairs, recognised for their dedication to apprenticeships goes to show the level of passion and commitment we have here within the NEAAN.”

George added: “It was fitting that Eden received the award named after Mike Wade, as both have been tremendous ambassadors for North East apprentices. And likewise, Ian Green, who has dedicated much of his career to helping other enhance their abilities and skill.

“Kate, Eryn and William also stood out from an extremely talented pool and all stand an excellent chance of claiming honours when they travel to London next month.”

Now in its 18th year, the National Apprenticeship Awards recognise and reward the achievement of exceptional apprentices, apprenticeship champions and apprenticeship employers for almost two decades.

Ian Green, who has worked in the automotive sector for more than 38 years, was recognised in 2018 as one of the Top 100 people in manufacturing. He said: “It’s a genuine honour to be named Apprenticeship Champion of the Year, following in the footsteps of some really inspirational people from North East industry.”

Eden McGlen, who began her apprenticeship four years ago at Unipres and won a string of awards during that time, said: “It’s been a tough 18 months for many businesses, but the wheels of industry did not stop turning and it’s fantastic that these awards recognise the many achievements and progress that has been secured in what were truly unique times.”

 

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