Member Article

Teacher from Hull wins National Apprenticeship Award

Sarah Barley, from Hull, Trust Director of Careers & Employability at South Hunsley School was revealed as the Santander sponsored Apprentice Champion of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards at an exclusive ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House.

The Awards, now in their fourteenth 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.

Sarah Barley from the South Hunsley School in Melton, who lives in Hull, was recognised for the employer-led programme she developed, recruiting 50 local employers to support and inspire young people about their next steps, whilst also planning open events to recruit employers interested in offering apprenticeships.

On accepting the award, Sarah Barley, Trust Director of Careers & Employability at South Hunsley School, said:

“Apprenticeships are just as good as going to university! This is the message that I want to get out to students as all too often the focus in schools is on UCAS. I have developed an Apprenticeship Preparation Programme which allows students to take part in employability skills master classes, internship placements and industry mentoring to promote apprenticeship opportunities but to also get them ready for one well before an application even begins.

“Careers advice is no longer just a discussion, it’s an experience! Next year, teaching staff will link with an apprenticeship employer so that they too can enrich their lessons with apprenticeship information and opportunities around their subjects, making it everyone’s responsibility within a school and not just the careers advisors!”

Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Anne Milton said:

“The National Apprenticeship Awards ceremony is a great opportunity to celebrate the work so many individuals and employers have done to champion apprenticeships.

“I want to congratulate everyone that was a part of these awards for their contribution to apprenticeships in England. They are all fantastic advocates of hard work and ambition, and they highlight how apprenticeships are a great route into skilled employment for people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Iain Gallagher, Senior Emerging Talent Manager at Santander, said:

“At Santander, we want to help people and businesses prosper. We believe apprenticeships are fantastic way to achieve both these aims. We realise the impact of developing new talent along with developing skills all through careers is key to the UK. We are therefore extremely proud to be part of the National Apprenticeship Awards and delighted to be sponsoring the Apprentice Champion of the year award.

“It requires the support of many colleagues, businesses, stakeholders to make them possible along with the dedication required by the Apprentice themselves. The National Apprenticeship Awards challenge apprenticeship employers and apprentices across England to come forward and show how apprenticeships have made a real difference to their organisation and careers. The awards evening is an opportunity to show case how valuable introducing and developing apprentices can be.

“We recognise the commitment and passion needed to support and participate in Apprenticeship schemes. At the heart of this are those people who work tirelessly to support in any way they can and that is why we are proud to support and recognise our Apprentice Champion of the year.”

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service added:

“The National Apprenticeship Awards showcase the breadth of apprenticeships on offer in a range of dynamic industries across the country. Apprenticeships are for everyone and I thank every employer and apprentice celebrated for their passion for, and commitment to, apprenticeships.

“This year’s winners are all shining examples of how apprenticeships develop outstanding talent whilst enhancing the incredible work of employers. I am certain all of our winners have a bright future thanks to the enriching benefits that apprenticeships bring.”

Exciting changes to the future format of the National Apprenticeship Awards was also announced. More information about these will be released in March. To view the full list of award winners and finalists, or for more information, search ‘apprenticeships’ on GOV.UK

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sareen Gosal .