Figures from across the county, dedicated to achieving or delivering top apprenticeships, have been announced as finalists for one of Oxfordshire’s most prestigious business award ceremonies, set to take place next month.
The shortlist for the eighth annual Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards has been released by organisers OxLEP Skills, with the event set to highlight outstanding apprenticeship talent and commitment.
The finalists – including apprentices, businesses and representatives from several education providers – are now eagerly awaiting to hear if they have been named amongst the winners, which will be announced at a spectacular awards ceremony at Williams F1 Conference Centre in Grove on 16 May.
The awards will once again shine a light on apprenticeship successes from across Oxfordshire, bringing together young people, companies committed to apprenticeships and those driving-forward opportunities in Oxfordshire.
WATCH: Highlights of the 2023 Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards
A full list of award finalists are as follows, selected by a business-led committee representing several key sectors:
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Grundon
Finalists:
- Liv Chapman, Apprentice Hairdresser, Popham Hairdressing Ltd
- Joshua Jones, Highways Operative, Milestone Infrastructure
- Lucy Parsons, Apprentice Finance and Accounting Technician, University of Oxford
Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Finalists:
- Angel Branker, Apprentice Laboratory Technician, University of Oxford
- Henry Fletcher, Apprentice Carpenter, Parker Turnbull Developments Limited
- Isaac Pylee, Ground Operations Apprentice, works for an airline
Higher Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Blenheim & Pye Homes
Finalists:
- Cecilia Badiale, Architect, Ridge and Partners LLP
- Thomas Renault, Data and Performance Analyst, Milestone Infrastructure
- Aaron Robinson, Rail Degree Apprentice, Amey Consulting
Special Recognition Award
Sponsored by Milestone Infrastructure
Finalists:
- Anna Christopher, Apprentice Business Administrator, University of Oxford
- Jay Formento, Ward Administrator, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Jack Paviour, Administrative Officer – Digital Infrastructure Team, Oxfordshire County Council
Rising Star Award
Sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care
Finalists:
- Gail Fennymore, Rehabilitation Assistant, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Rhian Mayer, Adult Mental Health Time and Recovery Support Worker, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- George Soanes, Apprentice Laboratory Technician, LTi Metaltech Ltd / Metaltest
Shining Star Award
Sponsored by IST INTECH
Finalists:
- Nairne Barker, Strategic Apprenticeship Lead, Oxfordshire County Council
- Jade Brooker, Audit Manager / Practice Manager, Assure UK
- Daniel Reid, Business and Programme Support Officer, Oxfordshire County Council
Apprenticeship Ambassador Award
Sponsored by Hill
Finalists:
- Grace Dawson, EPA Coordinator, Explosive Learning Solutions
- Max Evans, Apprentice Recruitment Assistant, University of Oxford
- Jack Paviour, Administrative Officer – Digital Infrastructure Team, Oxfordshire County Council
Careers Champion Award
Sponsored by The Engineering Trust
- Hannah Gordon, Careers Leader, Fitzwaryn School
- Hayley Laughlin, Post-14 Lead, Bardwell School
- Jessica Manns, Careers Lead, Subject Lead of History & Humanities Teacher, Greyfriars Catholic School
Inspiring the Future Award
Sponsored by Oxford Professional Education
Finalists:
- Abbott Diabetes Care
- Morgan Sindall Construction
- Oxford Playhouse Trust
Training Provider Individual Award
Sponsored by NielsenIQ
Finalists:
- Mark Dickson, Apprentice Trainer, MTC Training Ltd
- Justin Merritt, CEO / Director, Ignite Training
- Heidi Silvester, Assessor / Tutor, Introtrain / Oxford International College of Beauty
Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (<250 Employees) Award
Sponsored by Assure UK
Finalists:
- Edgars
- Olamalu
- PMC
Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (250+ Employees) Award
Sponsored by Owen Mumford
Finalists:
- Milestone Infrastructure
- Oxfordshire County Council
- University of Oxford
