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North East apprentices prove their worth

England’s top apprentices and apprentice employers were recognised at a ceremony in London this week, and two young people from the North East were among the winners. Gareth Moor from Morpeth and Abbigail Kewin from Tyne and Wear both beat off national competition to collect their prizes on Wednesday night.

Now in their fourth year, the Awards are designed to recognise the hard work and commitment of young people currently on, or who have recently completed an Apprenticeship, and employers who are successfully using Apprenticeships to improve business performance. This year the awards attracted more than 1,000 entries.

Abbigail Kewin is this year’s winner of the Young Apprentice of the Year. Abbigail started her Young Apprenticeship in August 2005 with a placement at Blueprint Interior, before joining a freelancer photographer, Liz King, for a short period, and finally working with high profile agency The bgroup.

Abbigail said: “I’m so excited, the other finalists were so good, I didn’t think I was going to win. “I thoroughly enjoyed all my placements, particularly with creative agency The bgroup. My apprenticeship has been inspirational, and helped me decide on a career in advertising.”

Electrical engineering apprentice Gareth Moor (23) won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year award. He has flourished thanks to his Apprenticeship, and was promoted to Site Foreman only two years into his training.

Gareth said: “I am over the moon. My Apprenticeship has given me the ability to prove myself. I learnt skills at college, but my Apprenticeship meant that I could apply them in the workplace. My employers have been so supportive - without them I would never have won this award.”

Skills Minister Phil Hope MP said: “Thanks to dynamic young people, enlightened employers and a supportive delivery system, I see a bright future for Apprenticeships. They stimulate innovation, give businesses the skills they need and provide opportunities for individuals to fulfil their potential. The Apprenticeship programme makes a real difference to all concerned and I’m delighted to see such great examples at the Awards tonight.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .