APPRENTICES across Conservative-led East Sussex were celebrated at a special graduation ceremony held in Eastbourne.
The East Sussex Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony, held on the evening of Thursday, November 16, recognised the commitment and hard work of East Sussex apprentices from across all industry sectors and of all ages and levels.
Conservative councillor Bob Standley, lead member for education and inclusion and special educational needs at East Sussex County Council (ESCC), said: “I was delighted to be able to join our graduating apprentices to celebrate their achievements.
“Apprenticeships offer a wonderful opportunity for people to take the first steps onto the career ladder, change career paths, or develop new skills in a current role. Our apprentices have all worked so hard to achieve their goals and I wish them well as they continue their career journeys.”
During the ceremony, four special awards based on nominations received from employers, colleagues, apprenticeship providers, and apprentices were presented to celebrate the outstanding achievements of all those involved in the apprenticeship journey.
- Aydin Kavakli, an Adult Social Care support worker at ESCC, won the Overall Contribution to the Business Award, which celebrates the outstanding contribution an East Sussex apprentice has made to their workplace during their apprenticeship.
- Nominated by training providers and employers, the Best Progression Award recognises the exceptional determination and efforts of an apprentice in the achievement of their apprenticeship through challenging times. Eleanor Wood, a Practice Manager in Adult Social Care at ESCC, was presented with this award for the “…true grit and resilience she demonstrated in order to complete her Apprenticeship.”
- The Amazing Colleague/Apprenticeship Employer Award celebrates the contribution of employees who have either championed apprenticeships within their organisation or have offered exceptional support to apprentices. This year’s winner was Gavin Fisher, Chief Executive at the Children’s Respite Trust, who was nominated by his apprentice, Abi.
- The Tutor/Trainer of the Year Award celebrates the contribution of a tutor or trainer who has gone above and beyond to support an apprentice during their apprenticeship. This year the award was won by Becca Saiet, Apprenticeship Lead in the Apprenticeship and Qualifications team within Adult Social Care at the county council.
The evening also celebrated the contributions of local businesses and educators to the programme and underlined the importance of apprenticeships to the local economy.
Cllr Standley continued: “The graduation evening gave us the opportunity to highlight the key role local businesses and education partners play in the successful apprenticeship programme in East Sussex and I thank them wholeheartedly for their continued support.”
Pictured (L-R): Gavin Fisher, Aydin Kavakli, Eleanor Wood, Becca Saiet
