The Cumbria-based energy company has recruited apprentices for over 50 years, currently employing 320 with a view to increasing this number in the future. As the most complex nuclear site in the country, Apprenticeship programmes deliver staff with the skills it requires to remain at the forefront of engineering and manufacturing technologies.
Sellafield, named Macro Employer of the Year, was amongst eight winners at the awards ceremony, which took place in Westminster. Other successful candidates include Rosy Apple Childcare, a nursery school in Preston; City of Lincoln Council; and food manufacturing apprentice, Sunè Brunton, from Martins Foods Limited, who develops products for major supermarket chains.
John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said that “Apprenticeships play a huge role in providing the skills we need to build an advanced economy. They help get young people into work and boost productivity and improve competitiveness.
“I am just about to take on an apprentice myself, so I know the benefits they can bring to the workplace. The Apprenticeship Awards recognise and celebrate these benefits as well as the hard work of individuals and the commitment of employers to invest in their workforce.
“For this Government, skills are a priority and apprenticeships are at the heart of our determination to produce a new generation of craftsmen capable of building a highly skilled, competitive economy.”
Simon Waugh, Chief Executive of NAS, said: “Apprenticeships make a positive contribution to businesses of all sizes and from all sectors and it’s been great to celebrate this through the awards. I hope the success stories highlighted by the awards encourage many more organisations and individuals to find out more about Apprenticeships.”
Chris Jones, Director General and CEO, City & Guilds said: “The Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the best of the nation’s students and employers from across the country, showing the breadth and quality of Apprenticeship programmes available.
“It is humbling to hear our winners’ inspirational stories, some of whom have achieved extraordinary results against all odds. At a time when the country is preparing for an upturn, it is talented and motivated people like them who will contribute to future economic growth and prosperity.”
- Contemporary Flowers from Canterbury picked up the Micro Employer of the Year Award
- RAF museum in Cosford won the Small Employer of the Year Award
- Holly Manley was awarded Apprentice of the Year for her work at Superdrug. Todd Lowndes, from Cheshire, was the youngest winner of the evening, picking up the title of Young Apprentice of the Year.
The award winners enjoyed a reception and ceremony at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster. All of these winners have previously triumphed in regional heats.
