Member Article

Telecoms former apprentice wins National Apprenticeship Award

John Clarke, from London, was named the Premier Inn Apprentice Champion of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards at an exclusive ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House on the 20th January.

John, age 29, currently Technical Manager with BT Group Plc Business and Public Sector, fought off competition from hundreds of other former apprentices around England to be awarded the top prize.

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.

John was chosen as the winner in recognition of the outstanding contribution he has made to apprenticeships since starting one in 2005.

On accepting the award, John said: “I started my own apprenticeship over a decade ago at BT and now I’m thrilled to be supporting others on that journey. I chose the apprenticeship route as it made sense to get a job and develop the skills that employers need straightaway.

“Now, I’m a technical manager at BT and also chair BT’s apprentice alumni network, supporting 4,000 former apprentices with their post apprenticeship journey.

“Through apprenticeships we’ve been able to help people make the best possible start to their career. We’re able to widen their horizons and take them on key visits to sites like the BT Tower – to help show apprentices the wealth of opportunity available in the business.“

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said:

“Congratulations to John 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.“

Amanda Brady, HR Director at Premier Inn, said:

“I am thrilled for John Clarke in winning the Premier Inn Apprenticeship Champion of the Year at this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards. At Premier Inn, we firmly believe that apprenticeships are a key element of our employee promise enabling them to grow, progress and achieve their ambitions and learn the skills and leadership we need to maintain our success well into the future.“

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 .