Achievements celebrated at NTU Apprenticeship Awards 2024

The ceremony represented a double celebration for Connell Parker of E.ON UK, who scooped the prize for Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Financial, Legal and Business Services, alongside the Overall Apprentice of the Year award.

Connell, a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree apprentices, wowed the judging panel, who described him as, 'an exemplar of the commitment, inspiration and impact that degree apprentices bring to organisations,'

In addition, the judges unanimously agreed that Connell is, 'clearly excelling in both the workplace and academically and has shown a real commitment to his apprenticeship, demonstrates huge potential for his future career.'

Upon receiving his awards, Connell said, 'Winning has been an incredible and unexpected surprise, and I am truly grateful. I want to extend my full appreciation to both NTU and E.ON for their invaluable support, and the individual people who have helped me along the way. I know that without them I wouldn't have been to achieve any of it.'

Claire Whitmore, Head of Digital Technology and Expert Services, E.ON, observed, 'Connell's achievements at the Nottingham Trent University Apprenticeship Awards are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and abilities. I look forward to witnessing Connell's continued growth and success as he embarks on an exciting career with E.ON DT.'

A full list of winners can be seen below.

Fellow Level 6 Digital Technology Solutions Professional Degree apprentice Tom was described by the judges as, 'a standout in the category,' with a strong, 'contribution and commitment to both the course and their role.' He was also commended for his volunteering work, which he regularly undertakes beyond his core role.

Level 7 Senior Leader Apprentice  Pete Young was described by the judges as 'one to watch,'  as an achiever in the business world. His project work was highlighted as having had a 'massive impact on the business,' which in turn has helped to raise the profile of apprenticeships within Hillarys.

Level 6 Digital Marketer apprentice Louise scooped the award in the Public Services category after being recognised as, 'excelling both academically and professionally.'  She was also called a 'star of the future' after achieving one of the highest grade attainments ever seen for this course.

A Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Degree apprentice, Luke Walsh of Stepnell Ltd scooped this award for being, 'an asset to the team, working collaboratively and delivering excellent customer service.' Luke was also praised for his aptitude for, 'processing large quantities of data and translating this into sound financial decision-making.'

Juliette, a Level 6 Digital Marketer apprentice, impressed the judges with her, 'collaborative approach to improving systems and services for stakeholders, in a high-pressured environment.' This, the panel observed, has led to, 'significant impacts to organisational and national policy.'

Sue and Tansy were chosen as the winners for showing, 'long-term dedication, personalised guidance and commitment to skill development, constructive feedback and career guidance.'  The judges were also  quick to highlight their, 'empathy and professional role modelling ,' which collectively has contributed to the 'success and growth of the apprentices under their mentorship.'

Lapcorp took home the prize for the Equality and Diversity employer of the year through, 'demonstrating how Equality and Diversity is at the heart of their organisation.'  Their 'dedicated projects and supportive culture' proved to the judging panel that they are a worthy winner of this award.

PJS Consulting Engineers Ltd were unanimously chosen as the winner of the Small Enterprise award for, 'demonstrably embracing apprenticeships, providing a holistic learning environment for their apprentices, that have had a growth impact on the business.'

The Medium Enterprise Apprentice Employer of the Year award was won by UMC Architects, an employer described by the panel as being,' clearly focused on their apprenticeship scheme and the benefits of it to the business and the individual apprentices.' The business was also commended for going, 'above and beyond in supporting NTU as strong advocates for apprenticeships.'

Labcorp took home their second award of the evening, this time in the Large Enterprise category.  The judges awarded Labcorp this accolade after recognising a  'strategy to grow their apprenticeship scheme across a wide variety of subjects and at every possible level.' Additionally, the panel were impressed with Labcorp's, 'clear pathways for progression and a long term focus on developing apprenticeships.'