Apprenticeship Employers

Rebecca was nominated by Training Coordinator, Elizabeth Lennon, who said:

"Rebecca Jones (Beccie) is an outstanding Early Years manager whose commitment to apprenticeships and developing her team through the NVQ pathway is exceptional.

Beccie actively recruits with a focus on ‘growing her own’ talent, supporting staff to become confident Level 2 Practitioners and Level 3 Early Years Educators. She brings out the best in her apprentice, recognising their strengths while building their skills, knowledge and confidence.

Despite the demands of supporting a high number of children with SEND, she prioritises her apprentice’s wellbeing and development, creating a supportive environment where they feel valued and empowered to succeed.

Beccie is a highly committed employer, providing prompt feedback, keeping learning plans up to date and accommodating assessment visits around the setting’s busy schedule.

Her leadership, professionalism and dedication make her an exceptional role model and a fantastic manager to work with through the apprenticeship programme."

Ben was nominated by Training Coordinator, Tina, who said:

I would like to nominate Martin Basson from STFC, Harwell for Manager of the Month in recognition of the exceptional support and guidance he has provided to apprentice Lola.

One of Lola’s projects has been particularly challenging, requiring her to engage with a wide range of staff members to gather feedback. Martin encouraged and supported her throughout this process, helping her build confidence and develop valuable communication skills.

Martin consistently looks for new opportunities to broaden Lola’s experience and help her develop further. He takes a genuine interest in her apprenticeship, regularly discussing her written work and ensuring her training plan remains up to date and aligned with her development goals.

Martin’s dedication, encouragement, and proactive approach have had a significant positive impact on Lola’s apprenticeship journey. His commitment to supporting and developing others makes him an extremely deserving recipient of this award.

Nominated by Training Coordinator, Claire, who said:

"I’ve had the opportunity to work with Laura since November, and during that time it’s been clear how much she values her team. She shows this not just in what she says, but in her day-to-day actions and the support she provides.

Laura is so committed to developing people and helping them progress. One example is her apprentice, who has successfully completed both Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications and has now secured a role within the team, with plans to move on to Level 4. This is a great achievement for him and also marks Laura’s first Level 4 apprentice, reflecting her continued support and encouragement...

...More recently, Laura has also supported school leavers by offering work experience placements, which is another positive way she invests in future talent."

Andy was nominated by Training Coordinator, Julia, who said:

"I would like to nominate Andy in recognition of his patience, perseverance, and genuine care for his apprentice. Andy consistently goes above and beyond to ensure his apprentice is supported, taking the time to guide them properly and help them build confidence in their role. His approach shows a high level of commitment and dedication, always focusing on what is best for the apprentice’s development.

Andy has a strong understanding of the course requirements and actively supports progress by reinforcing learning in the workplace. He demonstrates a clear understanding of British Values and Prevent, ensuring these are promoted and embedded within the working environment. He has also created a team culture that feels like a family, where everyone supports each other and works together positively. This welcoming and inclusive atmosphere has a real impact on the apprentice’s confidence, development, and overall experience."

Ben was nominated by Training Coordinator, Tina, who said:

"Ben has been truly exceptional from the very beginning in his support of apprentice Matthew. As Matthew is neurodiverse, Ben has consistently ensured that this is thoughtfully considered in every aspect of his training. He takes great care to make sure Matthew is comfortable with the tasks he is given and that the working environment supports his needs.

Because of Ben’s proactive and compassionate approach, Matthew has grown into a confident, capable, and valued member of the team. He is progressing extremely well in his role, fully engaging with the Business Professional course, contributing positively, and producing strong written work.

Both Matthew’s assessor and I feel that Ben demonstrates outstanding dedication. He is always prepared, always present, and always supportive during reviews and meetings. His commitment has had a genuinely meaningful impact on Matthew’s development and success.

Ben is a shining example of supportive leadership and is highly deserving of Manager of the Month."

Kelly was nominated by Training Coordinator, Elisa, who said:

"Kelly has truly gone above and beyond in her role as a manager. She not only provides Miri with meaningful opportunities to develop her knowledge, skills and behaviours, but she also places Miri’s wellbeing at the heart of everything she does. Attending progress reviews with Kelly is always a pleasure - not only because of the way she speaks about Miri, consistently in an encouraging and non-judgemental manner, but also because of the genuine care she shows for Miri’s growth and overall wellbeing. With the support of her own manager, Miles Tetlow, Kelly always finds ways to guide Miri to recognise her personal strengths, skills and qualities. It’s clear how deeply she values Miri and how committed she is to supporting her development. Kelly is approachable, authentic, and consistently willing to go the extra mile. Kelly exemplifies what an outstanding manager looks like - supportive, compassionate, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in the success and wellbeing of others. She is truly deserving of this recognition."

In his nomination, Adrien said:

"Steph Sparkes has been a consistent source of support for her apprentices, Tatyana Junqueira and Alice Howes, celebrating the quality of their work, attitude and dedication while helping them realise their full potential throughout their apprenticeship journey.

She has actively put her apprentices forward for awards, gaining well-deserved recognition, with Alice becoming a finalist for both the Enterprise Oxfordshire and Oxford University apprenticeship awards. Steph has championed her apprentices at every stage, including proactively securing a permanent role for Alice, demonstrating her genuine commitment to their future beyond the apprenticeship.

Through her outstanding support and focus on long-term progression, Steph is an excellent example of an apprentice manager and a highly deserving nominee for this award."

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."