Learning and Skills Council announces winners of National

4 months ago 11th Jul 14:35

John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, says: "For many people, skills and learning are the key to improving their lives - whether getting into and on at work, improving their job prospects or simply putting more money into their pockets.

"Apprenticeships have been 'key' in making that happen over recent years, but we need to go even further. Our aim must be to raise skill levels and in turn boost the job prospects of people in the UK and Apprenticeships are vital if we are to give everyone the skills they need to succeed in the global economy."

Stephen Gardner, Director of Apprenticeships, Learning and Skills Council says: "Once again it is so inspiring to witness the dedication, drive and enthusiasm of these apprentices - not only our winners, whom we recognise tonight, but all apprentices around the country who are pursuing their chosen careers.

"It is clear that to remain competitive, the UK needs to ensure more people are learning useful skills and Apprenticeships have shown themselves to be key in making that happen, while giving people and businesses real opportunities to succeed. Thanks to dynamic young people, enlightened employers and a supportive delivery system, Apprenticeships have a really bright future. The Apprenticeship programme makes a real difference to all concerned and I'm delighted to see such great examples at the Awards tonight."

Rachael Hoyle, who clinched her Advanced Apprentice of the Year title following her Advanced Apprenticeship in Aerospace Engineering, says her Apprenticeship helped solidify her career in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Rachael says: "If I'm honest, I didn't always want to be an engineer or work with aircrafts, and as my schooling drew to a close, I felt so unsure of what the future held. But when I looked into Apprenticeships alongside other possible courses, Apprenticeships really appealed to me as it would mean beginning a career while learning from people who are experts in their own right. I felt I could get involved in real work while applying my favourite subjects, like physics and maths, and continuing to learn."

The National Apprentice Award 2008 winners are as follows:

Young Apprentice of the Year: Luke Power, Sports Management, London

Highly Commended: Rachel Freestone, Aerospace and Engineering, Coventry, West Midlands

Highly Commended: Josh Pickering, Retail, Dorset, South West

Apprentice of the Year: Claire Harrison, Pharmaceuticals, Skipton, Yorkshire & Humberside

Highly Commended: Sarah Abbott, Cookery, Mickleton, West Midlands

Highly Commended: David Khan, Retail, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands

Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Rachael Hoyle, Aerospace and Engineering, Preston, North West

Highly Commended: Jacob Stimpson, Boat Building and Maintenance, Plymouth, South West

Highly Commended: Gemma Barrett, Hospitality, Mansfield, East Midlands

Personal Achiever of the Year: Victoria Snook, Hair and Beauty, Preston, North West

Highly Commended: Daisy Clark, Electrical, Cumbria, North West

Highly Commended: Mark Brookes, Teaching/Sport, Balsall Common, West Midlands

To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 400.

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