Knowsley’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’ named at inaugural awards

Knowsley’s most successful apprentices were honoured on Tuesday (12^th March) at a glittering awards ceremony held at the iconic St George’s Hall.

The Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards 2013, presented by award winning comedian Neil Fitzmaurice, provided the perfect platform from which to recognise the region’s best and brightest young apprentices and applaud the employers who support their future career development.

The title of Knowsley’s Apprentice of the Year (16-24 years old) went to Davey’s Chemist apprentice, Jessica Whitehead who was commended for her continual hard work, progress and dedication. Jessica’s training was provided is Intraining.

Jessica began her apprenticeship in January 2012 and quickly impressed her bosses. She studied hard to gain her NVQ2 in Customer Service in less than seven months before beginning work on Level 3.

In January this year Davey’s Chemist took Jessica on full time, and she is now studying for the National Pharmacy Association Medicines Counter Assistant qualification as accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Nominating Jessica, Business Development Manager at Davey’s Chemist, Karen Snellgrove, described her as “totally inspiring” and said: “she is extremely caring and always goes the extra mile for the customers, especially those who are less mobile. She is dedicated and prepared to do whatever is required of her, staying late at short notice if needed.”

Before taking up her apprenticeship, Jessica says she had never really considered a career in pharmacy, but now she loves it and hopes to enjoy a long and successful career – something her bosses are confident she can achieve!

Jessica fought a tough battle to take home the award against fellow shortlisted apprentices Daniel Carroll of ColorMatrix (training provider North West Training Council) and Mark Meadows of First Ark (training provider Knowsley Community College).

Paul Morton, Deputy Principle at Myerscough College who sponsored the Knowsley award said: ‘We fully embrace and celebrate apprenticeship schemes at the college. They are a massive driver for the rejuvenation of businesses and the local and national economy. Having started my career as an apprentice I know first hand how powerful apprenticeship schemes can be both for the apprentice and the employer.’

The three shortlisted apprentices in each category were chosen out of the hundreds of nominees who were for put forward by either their training provider or employer.

Cllr Ron Round, Leader of Knowsley Council and lead for employment and skills on the Liverpool City Region cabinet, said: “In the last few years we have seen time and time again how apprenticeships can transform lives and bring immense benefits to businesses. These awards help us celebrate this and demonstrate how vitally important apprenticeship opportunities are for our region, not only to those individuals who undertake them, but also to our long term economic prospects.”