Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards

Each year, we celebrate apprentices, employers, training providers and school/college careers leads through the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards.  

The awards are managed on a not-for-profit basis by OxLEP Skills and – since they were launched in 2017 – have shone a tremendous light on our county’s apprentices and the schools/colleges, employers and training providers who support them on their journey. 

The categories are judged and awarded by sponsoring organisations.  We are delighted to have the support of Oxford North as the 2024 headline sponsor, who will select the overall Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year from the winners of the five apprentice award categories. 

Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024 Finalists

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by Grundon

To recognise level 2 apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces.  

Finalists:

Liv Chapman, Apprentice Hairdresser, Popham Hairdressing Ltd
Joshua Jones, Highways Operative, Milestone Infrastructure
Lucy Parsons, Apprentice Finance and Accounting Technician, University of Oxford

Advanced Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

To recognise level 3 apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces. 

Finalists: 

Angel Branker, Apprentice Laboratory Technician, University of Oxford
Henry Fletcher, Apprentice Carpenter, Parker Turnbull Developments Limited
Isaac Pylee, Ground Operations Apprentice

Higher / Degree Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by Blenheim & Pye Homes

To recognise level 4 and above apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces. 

Finalists: 

Cecilia Badiale, Architect, Ridge and Partners LLP
Thomas Renault, Data and Performance Analyst, Milestone Infrastructure
Aaron Robinson, Rail Degree Apprentice, Amey Consulting

Special Recognition Award

Sponsored by Milestone Infrastructure

To recognise apprentices at any level who have been in post for at least 9 months and have achieved in overcoming significant challenges or barriers to learning or work.

Finalists:

Anna Christopher, Apprentice Business Administrator, University of Oxford
Jay Formento, Ward Administrator, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Jack Paviour, Administrative Officer – Digital Infrastructure Team, Oxfordshire County Council

Rising Star Award

Sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care

To recognise apprentices who have been in post for less than 9 months and have already excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces.

Finalists: 

Gail Fennymore, Rehabilitation Assistant, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Rhian Mayer, Adult Mental Health Time and Recovery Support Worker, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
George Soanes, Apprentice Laboratory Technician, LTi Metaltech Ltd / Metaltest

Shining Star Award

Sponsored by IST INTECH

To recognise individuals who have made outstanding progress in their career since completing their first apprenticeship and have the potential to achieve even more.

Finalists:

Nairne Barker, Strategic Apprenticeship Lead, Oxfordshire County Council
Jade Brooker, Audit Manager / Practice Manager, Assure UK
Daniel Reid, Business and Programme Support Officer, Oxfordshire County Council

Apprenticeship Ambassador Award

Sponsored by Hill

To recognise individuals who go the extra mile to champion and promote apprenticeships in Oxfordshire.

Finalists:

Grace Dawson, EPA Coordinator, Explosive Learning Solutions
Max Evans, Apprentice Recruitment Assistant, University of Oxford
Jack Paviour, Administrative Officer – Digital Infrastructure Team, Oxfordshire County Council

Careers Champion Award

Sponsored by The Engineering Trust

To recognise careers colleagues in local secondary schools and colleges who make a significant contribution to promoting apprenticeships to students and their parents/guardians as part of a wide ranging and inclusive careers programme.

Finalists:

Hannah Gordon, Careers Leader, Fitzwaryn School
Hayley Laughlin, Post-14 Lead, Bardwell School
Jessica Manns, Careers Lead, Subject Lead of History & Humanities Teacher, Greyfriars Catholic School

Inspiring the Future Employer of the Year 

Sponsored by Oxford Professional Education

To recognise employers in Oxfordshire who have gone the extra mile to inform and inspire the next generation, including engaging with local schools and colleges.

Finalists:

Abbott Diabetes Care
Morgan Sindall Construction
Oxford Playhouse Trust

Training Provider Individual Award

Sponsored by NielsenIQ

To recognise individuals working for organisations that provide apprenticeship training in Oxfordshire (colleges, universities, employer providers and independent training providers) who go the extra mile to support and encourage apprentices and enable individuals to achieve to their potential.

Finalists:

Mark Dickson, Apprentice Trainer, MTC Training Ltd
Justin Merritt, CEO / Director, Ignite Training
Heidi Silvester, Assessor / Tutor, Introtrain / Oxford International College of Beauty

Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (Less Than 250 Employees)

Sponsored by Assure UK

To recognise small and medium sized apprenticeship employers in Oxfordshire that have exceeded normal standards and expectations in providing a high-quality apprenticeship experience.

Finalists:

Edgars
Olamalu
PMC

Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (250 or More Employees)

Sponsored by Owen Mumford

To recognise large apprenticeship employers in Oxfordshire that have exceeded normal standards and expectations in providing a high-quality apprenticeship experience.

Finalists:

Milestone Infrastructure
Oxfordshire County Council
University of Oxford

Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year

Chosen by headline sponsor Oxford North

To recognise the apprentice who has reached the highest levels of excellence and achievement. Chosen by the headline sponsor from the winners of the five apprentice award categories.

With thanks to our other 2024 awards sponsors and supporters

If you are interested in sponsoring the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024, please see our sponsorship pack for details.

Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024 Guidance

Why you should enter the awards

Sarah Jaycock, Co-Founder and Director of High Spec Composites, Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards host, committee member and sponsor and apprenticeship award winner, shares the benefits of entering and her top tips for writing a winning entry.

 Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023

Watch the highlights from the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023, which took place on 18 May at the spectacular Williams F1 Conference Centre with our headline sponsor JDE Banbury. Read our article for a list of winners.