Apprentices honoured at annual awards

Apprentices honoured at annual awards

East Riding College’s apprenticeship awards ceremony was held in person for the first time since 2020, last week, to celebrate the contribution that apprentices make to the region’s businesses.

The prestigious event, held at Beverley Racecourse, saw over 120 guests celebrate the hard work and dedication of the apprentices and recognised the contribution of employers, family, friends and college staff to the apprentices’ success.

Jacob James aged 20, from Bridlington won the Outstanding Contribution Award (Small Employer) at East Riding College’s annual apprenticeship awards ceremony last week. Jacob works at Pure Renewables based in Hull, a growing business who design and install precision renewable energy solutions across the UK. Jacob was nominated by his employer, for being an outstanding apprentice. Chris Whitelock the Managing Director of Pure Renewables said, “Jacob has really grown, massively, in his attitude and experience whilst he’s been with us. What I think really marks him out is his ability to learn, develop and progress. It’s been wonderful to see, he’s worked really hard.

“Having apprentices working for the business brings a lot of benefits actually, because you’re getting people who are very keen to come and develop their skills, knowledge and experience.”

Jacob who has recently completed his Business Admin Level 3 apprenticeship said, “Most people think apprenticeships are about being able to earn while you learn but my main thing was to get experience of a job, a different environment compared to college and rather than going off to university and getting all my qualifications, having that experience of being in a job in a workplace.

“I felt really proud when I realised I’d been nominated for the award, it made me realise the value I have within the team and that the hard work I do on a day to day basis is appreciated by my colleagues and people higher up within the business.”

Brandon Long, aged 20 from Hull won the Outstanding Contribution Award (Large Employer) at the event, after being nominated by his employer, Hull-based Sewell Group. He was nominated for his passion, care, intellect and keenness. Brandon has recently completed his Business Admin Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Becky Oughtibridge Head of People and Professional Services at Sewell Group said, “Apprentices are great, we employ them at all varying levels across the Group. It certainly allows people to grow within our culture, and grow in the way that we like to
develop people.

“Brandon’s been a great addition to the team - as soon as we interviewed him we knew he would be great for our team. The future’s really bright for Brandon he’s doing a great job and he’s certainly got a long career with the group I believe.”

Brandon said, “I decided to do the apprenticeship because for me full time education just wouldn’t have worked. I have now finished my apprenticeship and gone into a full time role with Sewell Group. My plan is to continue onto a HR course as that’s where I’m planning on going next.

“It’s always a nice reminder that the work you’re doing is appreciated and people do notice the hard work that you put in.”