Apprentices have the Edge

We went out and about during National Apprenticeship Week (5 – 9th Feb) to recognise some of our top apprentices.

We took our Edge Awards out on the road, travelling across the region to surprise apprentices at their places of work.

In total 17 apprentices picked up awards from a wide range of curriculum areas including business, digital tech, catering, construction, hairdressing and automotive.

Cat Drew from Accenture scooped the top accolade of Outstanding Apprentice of the Year after wowing the judges with her proactive approach to learning and commitment to supporting other apprentices. Now in the second year of her digital apprenticeship, Cat’s nomination recognised her as a role model who is always willing to go above and beyond to achieve her goals.

David Alexander, Principal and CEO, said: “Our Edge Awards for Apprenticeships are a highlight of my year. It’s great to be able to showcase the fantastic work being done by our apprentices and employers and we’ve had a great week presenting our Edge awards and surprising the winners in their workplace.

“The standard of nominations was very high and everyone who received an award should be proud of their achievements."

Gateshead College trains more than 1,000 apprentices many of these are in the North East but we also train apprentices throughout the UK including in London and Manchester.

The Edge Awards for Apprenticeships 2024 winners:

• Cat at Accenture - Digital Tech Apprentice and Apprentice of the Year
• Lorna at Babcock International – Automotive Apprentice
• Melissa at South Tyneside Council – Business Apprentice
• Kenzey at M W Plumbing - Construction Plumbing Apprentice
• Grace at Sir Robert McAlpine - Plan BEE Apprentice
• Lily at Aramark – Digital Tech Apprentice
• Kieran at GL Education – Digital Tech Apprentice
• Julie at Houghton Nursery – Early Years Apprentice
• Kelsey at Ascent Trust – Teaching Apprentice
• Lewis at UK Docks – Engineering Apprentice
• Jada at Foxy Hair Extensions – Hairdressing Apprentice
• Jade at Percy Hedley – Teaching Apprentice

We’ve five more awards for winners that weren’t available during National Apprenticeship Week and we’ll be surprising them as soon as we can.