The seventh annual Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards will once again shine a spotlight on our county’s apprentices - and the businesses and organisations, training providers and schools that support their journey - recognising the huge contribution they make to our county’s economy at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 18 May 2023 at Williams F1 Conference Centre.
We're delighted to introduce Hill as sponsor of the Special Recognition Award, a very special category that recognises Apprentices at any level who have overcome barriers to work or learning.
Here, Lauren Kennett, Social Value Community Manager at Hill, explains why they have chosen to sponsor this Award and what apprenticeships mean to them.
Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards and why you have chosen to sponsor your particular category?
It’s engrained in Hill DNA to promote apprentices into the industry at all levels, it's within our geography to encourage new talent within our supply chain. These people are the future of the industry.
The Special Recognition Award is about overcoming barriers/challenges. We recognise the challenges all apprentices face in finding opportunities in the industry and how difficult it can be learning whilst trying to work full time. Those apprentices who have battled exceptional circumstances are examples to others of what dedication and a desire to succeed can achieve.
What are you looking for in the winner of your category?
We are looking for nominees who have overcome challenges or barriers to stay committed to their studies and work. It's someone who goes above and beyond and sets an example for others and ultimately a ‘never give up’ attitude. They could also meet one of the following criteria, in line with Hill’s existing values.
E – Extraordinary – this award recognises someone who makes exceptional contributions to their team. An individual who regularly exceeds expectations and pushes themselves to continue developing.
P – People – this award recognises an individual who champions excellent teamwork and helps others selflessly. It’s someone who is invaluable to their team and managers.
I – Inspiring – this award promotes forward-thinking mindset to reward those whose actions or achievements set a good example to others. It could be an individual who inspires by their ability to overcome challenges.
C – Community – this award recognises an individual who has worked on a community initiative or helped the wider local community somehow. It could also be an individual who has done something special to make a difference.
What would you say to anyone thinking about entering or nominating?
We would encourage all to be confident to tell your story and career path enabling you to be an ambassador inspiring future apprentices. Entering yourself will show you are a leader to your peers and nominating someone will to celebrate their achievements will increase their confidence. Lastly, don’t be afraid to celebrate your success!
Tell us about your organisation’s experience of Apprenticeships
Hill promote and encourage trade apprentices throughout the supply chain, we are gold members of the 5% club meaning across all of our sites at least 5% of the workforce are apprentices. 17% of the Hill workforce are part of the management trainee programme and counting those who have graduated 1 in 4 have gone through the trainee programme, The Management trainee programme is integral to Hill’s growth and success, there is no doubt that Hill wouldn’t have grown the way we have without nurturing our internal talent. There are several department heads and directors who have come through the programme and there are currently 119 trainees employed at Hill.
About the Awards
The awards will be open for entries and nominations until midnight on the evening of Friday 17 February 2023. Finalists will be announced during Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (hashtag #OAHour) on Twitter @OxonApprentice from 13:00 on Thursday 20 April 2023. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 18 May 2023.
Visit our Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023 page
If you would like the opportunity to support the Awards, please get in touch.
Join us for Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (#OAHour) on Twitter @OxonApprentice from 13:00 every Thursday for latest on the Awards and join in the conversation using the hashtag #OAAwards2023.
