James scoops apprentice award
Warwickshire County Council apprentice James Ward has scooped a prestigious award at the Coventry & Warwickshire Apprentice of the Year Awards.
A 350 strong audience saw James collect the award for Transportation, Operations and Maintenance Apprentice of the Year.
James has worked as a Highway Engineer Apprentice for Warwickshire County Council since September 2014 and is passionate about raising awareness about the advantages of apprenticeships. He recently worked with the Local Government Association and featured in a book that they produced to drive awareness about public sector apprentices.
On winning his award, James said: “It’s a great honour to win and get the recognition, not just for myself but also for the other apprentices across the county council. Apprenticeships are a legitimate alternative to university and offer a great route into employment.”
Over the past three years, more than 130 young people have realised the benefits of taking up an apprenticeship at Warwickshire County Council. Over 80% who complete an apprenticeship secure employment with the council, while others take up employment opportunities elsewhere or go on to further education.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, said: “We are proud to support the Coventry and Warwickshire Apprenticeship Awards and we congratulate James on getting the recognition he so richly deserves. At Warwickshire County Council we are passionate about apprenticeships and believe they offer young people an excellent future.”
Councillor Philip Johnson added: "These awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the success of apprenticeships across Coventry and Warwickshire and we hope many more businesses and young people will benefit from apprenticeships.”
The awards took place at Coventry Cathedral and were backed by partner organisations Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), Warwickshire County Council, and Coventry City Council.
The evening, which was hosted by Touch FM’s Ollie Gallant and Si Alexander, recognised sixteen award categories. Winners from the evening, as well as organisations that champion apprenticeships, will become C & W Apprentice Ambassadors to promote apprenticeships at local schools and careers event throughout the year.