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Cumbria apprentice wins National Apprenticeship Award

Adam Sharp, from Cockermouth, was named the Advanced Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards at an exclusive ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House on the 20th January.

Adam, aged 22, a Mechanical Design Apprentice with Sellafield Ltd, fought off competition from hundreds of other apprentices around England to be awarded the top prize. Adam completed his ECITB advanced level apprenticeship in Design and Draughting at Sellafield Ltd in Cumbria, in August 2016.

The Awards, now in their thirteenth year, are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

Adam was chosen as the winner in recognition of the outstanding contribution he has made to Sellafield since joining as an apprentice in 2012.

On accepting the award, Adam said:

“The day I left home was the day I began my apprenticeship. It was the biggest decision I’ve made – it’s changed everything. On a personal level moving away from home to start my apprenticeship taught me the art of self-reliance and improved my confidence hugely.

“Moreover my apprenticeship allowed me to learn whilst gaining masses of experience at the same time. I’m now doing my dream job and my ultimate goal is to study for a BA and Masters in mechanical engineering and become a chartered engineer. The big dream is to one day be Sellafield’s chief mechanical engineer.“

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said:

“Congratulations to Adam for your success in this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards, which have showcased so much inspiring talent, dedication and ensures that apprenticeships get the prestige they deserve.

“I am always proud to see how many employers and apprentices get involved in apprenticeships across the country, helping to give a ladder of opportunity to people and deliver quality skills for employers. I hope your involvement encourages others to do the same to ensure social justice for all.“

Al Parkes, Managing Director of EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications said:

“Adam Sharp was the stand out winner amongst a list of very impressive candidates.

“EAL works hand in hand with industry and education to ensure more people embark on an apprenticeship in Engineering, Energy, Rail, Building Services, and associated industries to secure the skills the nation needs to succeed.

“These awards create role models that showcase the fantastic careers apprenticeships lead to and EAL is once again delighted to sponsor the Advanced Apprentice of the Year category.“

Sue Husband, director, National Apprenticeship Service was host on the night. She concluded:

“The National Apprenticeship Awards have highlighted once again the magnificent range of apprenticeships on offer - with leading employers in exciting industries - and the skills that apprentices gain when taking on these roles.

“Every year this event gets bigger and better, bringing to the forefront of our minds the importance of apprenticeships to local, regional and national economies. Apprenticeships are for everyone and I personally thank each and every employer and apprentice recognised at Friday’s event for their commitment to apprenticeships.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by National Apprenticeship Service .