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Staffordshire apprentice wins National Apprenticeship Award

Holly Broadhurst, from Leek was named the Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards, at an exclusive ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House on the 20th January.

Holly, aged 22, a Design Engineer with J C Bamford Excavators Ltd, fought off competition from hundreds of other apprentices around England to be awarded the top prize. Holly is a full time Design Engineer at JCB Compact Products in Staffordshire, designing compact 360 tracked excavators; she recently completed her Higher Apprenticeship.

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.

On accepting the award, Holly said:

“I’ve learnt and gained so much more than I ever thought possible through my apprenticeship with JCB.

“I had a female lecturer during my time spent in the JCB Academy, and as a woman within engineering, she was a great role-model to encourage me into the industry. When I first started my apprenticeship I knew I wanted to work in engineering but my apprenticeship enabled me to maximise my experience by rotating around different parts of the business, this gave me a good insight into how the company is run and helped me to realise the area best suited to my skills.

“I look at my friends who went to university and they are only just getting the workplace experience now. I would advise anyone considering an apprenticeship to go for it 110% - it may seem nerve wracking to go straight into a job but it is so worth it in the long run.“

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said:

“Congratulations to Holly 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.“

Beccy Pleasant, Head of Skills and Talent, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, said:

“I am so pleased for Holly Broadhurst in winning the Nuclear Site Licence Companies Higher/Degree level apprenticeship award at this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards. Higher and degree level apprenticeships are proving to be a successful method of recruiting people into our businesses. Apprentices are equipped for the world of work, and can make a more immediate impact on our businesses. And the individuals are able to start financially planning for their future, rather than repaying student debts of the past.“

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 .