NEWSROOM

Customer Service apprentice Fay Smith together with Health and Social Care apprentice Belinda Dunn were named ‘Council apprentices of the year’ while Business Administration apprentice Debbie Taylor won the ‘Most Committed’ award at the annual County Training awards evening.

The event, at the Gateway Education and Arts Centre in Shrewsbury, was a celebration of learners on apprenticeship programmes and those working towards standalone diploma programmes and also honoured employers who have supported County Training apprentices.

Over 90 people attended the celebration event and award categories included Apprentice of the Year, Telford & Wrekin Council Apprentice of the Year, Shropshire Council Apprentice of the Year, Most Committed Award, Rising Star award and Continuing Professional Development award.

Fay has consistently shown commitment to her apprenticeship throughout her journey and has always had a really positive attitude towards the apprenticeship work and her job with the Council.

She had to move to a different Leisure Centre in the borough towards the end of her apprenticeship as the one she was based at was undergoing a re-vamp, but it didn’t phase her, and she adapted well to her new work environment.  

Meanwhile Belinda has shown great commitment to learning and developing throughout her apprenticeship, has grown in confidence and improved her leadership skills and qualities.

Despite facing some challenges in her role, she rose to the challenges and had the opportunity to implement changes in her workplace.  

Debbie Taylor won the most committed award after showing a high level of commitment throughout her apprenticeship.

She had two promotions at work in close succession and is reliable, a great communicator and is always upbeat and had grown in confidence along the way.

Winners each received a certificate and glass award engraved with the Herefordshire, Ludlow, and North Shropshire College logo.

A wide range of employers attended the event including Lanyon Bowdler and the Greenhous Group and three guest speakers shared their experiences as an apprentice or an employer during the evening.

They included Michelle Harrington from Empower Trust who gave an insight into the employer’s role in apprenticeships, Kelly Jones who is completing her level 2 in health and social care with Hendra House and Chris Hirons from Shropshire Council who spoke about not only being an apprentice but also being an employer supporting other staff in apprenticeships.

The Telford Skills Show takes place at the Telford International Centre on Thursday 27 March 2025 (11.30am-6pm).

Open to all ages, it’s the perfect event to check out a wide range of apprenticeships and job opportunities, including those offered by Telford & Wrekin Council.

It’s not too late to sign up for the event here: The Telford Skills Show

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment & Skills, said:

“This event celebrates the successes of our apprentices and standalone diploma learners across the region and we are delighted to see three of our own apprentices recognised in the council apprentice of the year category.

“The commitment and dedication of our learners is commendable, and we are incredibly proud of them both and all the winners and wish them all the best with their future endeavours.

“With apprentices and learners varying in ages the event really does show that no matter what stage you are in life or your career, it is never too late to learn!”