Skills Group wins Construction Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in Annual Apprenticeship Awards

WE WON!

Skills Group has been chosen as Construction Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in the national Annual Apprenticeship Awards 2020 beating competition from across the country.

The prestigious AAC Awards, which are run by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) are a celebration of excellence in apprenticeship delivery in the UK.

Sharon Chaffe, managing director at Skills Group, comments, “We are delighted to win Construction Apprenticeship Provider of the Year. The award recognises the outstanding construction training and industry-standard facilities we offer our learners, as well as our long-standing relationships with top local employers resulting in impressive apprenticeship opportunities. As a result, Skills Group’s construction programmes have an overall success rate that is well above the national average. Thank you to our dedicated team, employers and learners for their commitment to Skills Group.”

The awards received over 350 entries across 22 categories, with the winners crowned at the AAC Gala Dinner and Awards Evening on Tuesday 3rd March 2020 at Birmingham’s ICC.

AELP chief executive Mark Dawe said: “We’ve had another fabulous awards evening celebrating all that is best about apprenticeships and the hard working people who offer bright futures to learners who embark on our flagship skills programme.”

Skills Group offers a wide variety of construction apprenticeships and full-time courses across Bricklaying, Carpentry, Flooring, Interior Systems, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Tiling, Property Maintenance, Groundworks and Plant Operations, Occupational Work Supervision and Fenestration. Training is held in Skills Group’s purpose built, state-of-the-art construction centre in Plympton and led by experts in their field, with apprentices enjoying employment with some of the region’s most respected employers.

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School