The 2019 Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Awards brought outstanding apprentices from the two regions together at Ashton Gate last week to celebrate their achievements along with recognising the employers and education providers who support them.
The event, hosted by former BBC Apprentice star Claire Young, the entrepreneur who studied in Bristol talked about her determination to succeed in business and her time being mentored by Sir Alan Sugar.
As the champagne flowed the prize giving ceremony began with a few eager apprentices waiting to find out if they had scooped an award. Amongst them Clare Vertigen, Director of the South West Apprenticeship Company, was there to support her nominees. To her surprise Clare was also nominated for an award and was over the moon when she found out she had won the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships’ award sponsored by GKN Aerospace.
SWAC works in partnership with City of Bristol College to support employers through the apprenticeship process, from recruitment to completion. SWAC employs the apprentice and supports the employer with recruitment, performance management, HR, payroll and mentoring the apprentice to encourage progression and positive impact for their business – taking all the risk of apprentice employment.
The apprenticeship awards support the work Clare does to continuously share the benefits of apprenticeships to employers across the South West region. Clare, through her work has helped over 2000 businesses and provided advice to thousands of young people who have been looking for work and want to know about their next steps. As well as this Clare works very closely with City of Bristol College to support the increase of apprenticeship participation across the region.
Miriam Venner, City of Bristol College’s Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships and Skills said: “We are really pleased to see Clare win this award as it shows that her commitment to apprenticeships is recognised across the region. Clare works tirelessly to support apprentices and their employers and has expertly steered the SWAC team to become a leading force in the sector. Clare’s energy and enthusiasm is infectious.”
Next up saw GKN Aerospace scoop the prize for City of Bristol College’s sponsored award ‘Large Employer of the Year!’
The evening was a complete success with lots of cheer and celebrations. Unfortunately only a few could win an award but it’s important to recognise the emerging talent that only seems to be growing within the area under apprenticeship opportunities. Well done to all apprentices who were nominated including City of Bristol College’s apprentice Louise Robinson and Cody James.
To find out how you could get on the apprenticeship route please click here.
