In celebration of Apprenticeship Week 2021, Central YMCA’s virtual awards ceremony brought together apprenticeship ambassadors, MPs, apprentices, parents and employers to celebrate apprenticeships and their impact.
Five learners, and one employer, were recognised at the annual national Central YMCA Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony – hosted by Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP – on Monday 8th February, as part of National Apprenticeship Week (8th – 14th February).
Guest presenters included the Skills and Apprenticeships Minister, Gillian Keegan MP; Rt Hon Dame Rosie Winterton MP; and the Chair of the Education Select Committee, Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP.
This year’s winners were:
- Classroom Learning Progression of the Year – Amy Kendall
- Pre-Apprenticeship Learner of the Year – Megan Rhodes
- Apprenticeship Progression of the Year Award – Charis Radwell
- Employer of the Year – Rotherham, Doncaster & South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH)
- Apprentice of the Year – Aaliya Beddows
- Inspirational Apprentice of the Year – Graham Fretwell
Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, opened the event by saying:
“What a huge privilege it is to be part of this, as Apprenticeship Week starts. Every year we are reminded by great organisations, like Central YMCA, how important it is that there is a learning experience that can be tailored for every learner… that gives young people their first foothold onto the employment ladder and gives them the opportunity to ‘learn and earn’ at the same time and make a better career and future for themselves.”
On behalf of Central YMCA, Andrew Beal (Chair of Trustees) thanked the guest speakers and the presenters of the charity’s awards, saying:
“Firstly, special thanks to the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP. Caroline is a great supporter and highly valued ambassador of our work. Thank you to the Skills and Apprenticeships Minister, Gillian Keegan MP, for sharing the Government’s ambitious plan for apprenticeships. Thank you to the Chair of the Education Select Committee, Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, for sharing your wisdom and experience in this area. And finally thank you to Rt Hon Dame Rosie Winterton MP for presenting the award for Employer of the Year.”
Drawing the event to a close, Andrew continued:
“The theme of this year’s apprenticeship week is to ‘build the future’, and that seems particularly important with the challenges that young people have faced this year.
Congratulations to the winners of our Central YMCA awards and well done to all Central YMCA learners who are managing to continue their education at this incredibly difficult time.
It is also important to recognise the fantastic contribution made by employers. It is their effort and support that makes all the difference. We thank you for working so closely with us, particularly over the last year, to make sure that our apprenticeships deliver on their promise.
As we look to the future, there has never been a greater need to support our young people. Here at Central YMCA we believe that we have the skills, the energy and the ideas to do so much more, particularly in the vital area of health and wellbeing.
If you have been inspired by the incredible stories of our apprentices – and would like to do more – we’d love to speak to you. After all, inspiration needs opportunity if it’s going to change lives.”
