APPRENTICESHIPS in Hampshire were once again celebrated as an event returned to the county last week.
Staff from across Hampshire County Council came together on May 16 for the first chairman’s apprenticeship awards in two years.
The ceremony – Councillor Mel Kendal’s last as chairman of the county council - acknowledged the achievements of apprentices, trainees, interns and mentors all over Hampshire who are working and training with the local authority.
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Councillor Kendal said: “Whether they are just starting out in their career, or have returned to training later in life, the one thing all our apprentices have in common is a clear commitment to ongoing learning, achieving and sharing new skills.
“I fully understand the challenges faced and how much hard work it takes to undertake and complete an apprenticeship, especially when someone is doing so alongside their day job. Congratulations to all the apprentices and everyone who received an award; as well as all the nominates.”
In the last year, the county council has signed up more than 350 apprentices, taking the total number of apprentices since the start of the scheme in 2017 to 1,600. This includes apprentices working at all levels from intermediate right through to Masters Level 7.
This year’s chairman’s awards follow five individual departmental awards, which were introduced for the first time this year to celebrate staff within their speciality who have furthered their professional development through an apprenticeship.
In a further change from previous years, this year’s ceremony was hosted by the county council’s apprenticeship influencers, Shauna Willmott and Sam Winterburn who, since January 2021, have been working to inspire future apprentices.
Apprentice building surveyor Sam received the top award of the ceremony – the chairman’s apprentice of the year – recognising his work delivering construction projects for the culture, communities and business services (CCBS) department, all while continuing his university studies.
Another highlight was the rising star award, which went to Samantha Roberts in the CCBS department.
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The award was given in recognition of Samantha’s work to support the council’s libraries throughout the pandemic, ensuring that people could continue to engage with these services online.
Samantha also achieved a distinction in her apprenticeship alongside this work.
As well as recognising the successes of individuals, the awards were also an opportunity to celebrate the work of colleagues, teams and departments that have significantly supported and invested in apprentices.
The south east learning disability short term team (in the adults’ health and care department) was named team of the year, while the economy, transport and environment department took home the coveted department of the year award. Special recognition also went to Sarah Nater (children’s services) and Kim Smith (adults’ health and care) for their support of apprentices on the county council’s social worker apprenticeship programme.
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