Apprenticeship Employers

Tina shared:

Hasan’s journey is truly inspiring. I was privileged to become his training coordinator when he was an apprentice, where he quickly excelled and achieved a distinction, showing exceptional commitment and capability. His dedication led him to become a manager at Explosive Learning Solutions, where he now plays a key role in supporting three apprentices: Charley, Nathan, and Ellen.

Hasan consistently goes above and beyond, seeking new and innovative ways to enhance learning and tailoring his support to each individual. His focus extends beyond apprenticeship success to developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed for long-term careers.

Despite a demanding role working with the forces and managing his own contracts, Hasan remains fully committed - attending events, engaging thoughtfully in reviews, and ensuring his apprentices receive the support they need. His dedication and proactive approach make him an outstanding leader and mentor.

Sonja said:

"Stella deserves the title ‘Manager of the Month’ for her commitment to supporting our Business apprentice Dominic S.L. Dom has been experiencing some personal challenges and obstacles to learning and to keeping his wellbeing to a good level. Stella has been continued support, always responsive and always finding time to accommodate discussions around support and explore options, in the workplace and very much in collaboration with A&W apprenticeship team.

As a result, Dom has made a wonderful progress in his confidence and overall performance and has taken on ‘project manager’ role in a project within the OCC Directors Office. We are now on track for timely Gateway, which has given Dom additional motivation and positively impacted on his wellbeing.

Dom feels inspired by Stella’s actions and recognises and respects those, especially her commitment to learning about neurodiversity (dyslexia etc.) to better meet Don’s needs."

Paul was nominated by Training Assessor, Tina, who said:

"Paul has consistently gone above and beyond to support Sam since the start of his apprenticeship. He has encouraged Sam to step outside his comfort zone while remaining mindful of his anxiety, often meeting him at new locations to ease transitions.

He’s created valuable opportunities for Sam to grow, such as minute-taking at complex multi-authority meetings - helping to boost Sam’s confidence and showcase his problem-solving skills. Notably, Sam now feels confident making call-outs, something he once found daunting.

Understanding Sam’s autism and sensitivity to routine changes, Paul has shown great care in preparing him for organisational shifts, helping him adapt and thrive.

Paul’s ongoing support has played a key role in Sam’s development into a confident, hardworking apprentice. His inclusive and thoughtful leadership truly deserves recognition."

From Sheila's nomination:

"Tunji has demonstrated exceptional mentorship is supporting Joe. From the outset, Tunji recognised Joe's potential and committed himself to nurturing his personal and professional growth. Through consistent encouragement and a belief in Joe's abilities, Tunji has overseen his development with care and insight. He has ensured that Joe's learning progressed at a manageable pace, offering guidance with a light touch that empowered Joe to build confidence and take ownership of his development.

"Tunji's trust in Joe has been evident in the increasing responsibilities he has assigned to him, always balanced with support and advice. He has actively encouraged Joe to collaborate with other teams and has sought feedback from colleagues to reinforce Joe's sense of value and achievement across the organisation. Tunji has created a safe, motivating environment where Joe feels supported, challenged and inspired. He is totally committed to Joe's wellbeing, confidence and future with UKAEA."

Louise was nominated by Sonja Milovic for her outstanding support of apprentice Ben Alexander. Sonja said:

“Louise is a fantastic role model for an apprentice like Ben Alexander. She consistently demonstrates commitment to her team, to Ben’s learning, and goes above and beyond to support his personal and professional development.

She provides Ben with a platform to use his creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and show leadership. Louise collaborates with Ben, trusts his capabilities, and recently authorised an exciting project for him to lead, exploring and selecting the best AI tools for the wider team. This has opened up new opportunities for developing skills and knowledge within the business.

Louise recognises and celebrates Ben’s achievements and recently nominated him for an OxLEP award. She also works closely with us at Abingdon & Witney College - it’s been a pleasure working with her and her apprentice. Thanks to this positive relationship, Ben is likely to reach his gateway earlier than planned. Thank you, Louise.”

Nominated by Training Coordinator, Adrian:

“Melanie is one of our strongest and most consistent managers. She is clearly committed to apprenticeships and the development of her staff. She retains her apprentices for years after they have finished their apprenticeships which is a testament to her managerial skill, and her forward thinking and planning. She always has a plan for how she wants to work with them and continue to develop them after they finish."

"She knows how to get the best out of her apprentices. She always has a good word for them. She maintains a level of professionalism I envy; being fair, even handed and supportive to all her apprentices. Consistency is a sometimes undervalued virtue but in the three years I have worked with Melanie I have never seen her commitment or care for her apprentices dip. If she ever finds it difficult she does not let it show."

"If every employer was as good as Melanie I would struggle to justify my position as training coordinator.”

"Lynn is a very hands-on manager and is incredibly supportive of Holly. Airbus is a big business and Lyn's position can be very busy, but she always makes time to help Holly with any questions, gets her involved in the most amazing events and projects such as meeting the Prime Minister in her first two weeks, meeting world diplomats and helping with a school visit which Holly organised fully herself as a small project.

Holly is always a polite and professional apprentice, but I feel that Lyn has really homed in on Holly's potential and brought this out more and more building her self-confidence further.

It is always a pleasure to go down and visit to see what other exciting events Holly has been able to be a part of."

“I haven’t met an apprenticeship manager with the patience and candour as Kate. Kate has a very calm approach making sure both apprentices are learning to be the best they can through working hard without overloading them.

Kate has been able to support by improving positive attitudes, and professional behaviours at work. Kate demonstrates good leadership and is very supportive of the whole team.

Kate is supportive, engaging and she recognises that I get a very small picture of the apprentice during our meetings, Kate will support by asking the apprentice questions, asking them to share their work and correcting them where required. Kate is always interested in the skills developed and areas to develop further.

Kate is a great manager with a wealth of knowledge. A pleasure to work with."