VQ awards celebrate employers’ support for training

Vocational Training Awards were presented this morning at City College Norwich which celebrates employers' support for training.

Employers who have made an outstanding contribution in supporting vocational success were celebrated this morning at City College Norwich’s annual VQ Day Employer Awards at The Forum, Norwich. The event was held as part of national Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Day.

The breakfast awards event highlighted the contributions made by local employers who have worked with City College Norwich to support vocational learning, as well as celebrating individuals’ achievements. The award winners and runners-up were:

Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Jack Clifton (Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital)
Runner-up: Danny Branson (Morgan Sindall)

Support for Apprenticeships Award
Winner: Lintott Control Systems Ltd
Runner-up: B3

Education-Business Links Award
Winner: Norwich Day Services
Runner-up: Archant Norfolk

Higher Level Skills Award
Winner: Archant Norfolk
Runner-up: RAF Marham

Skills for Life and Work Award
Winner: Daniels Plumbers Ltd
Runner-up: British Sugar, Cantley

Small Businesses Commitment to Learning Award
Winner: Zig Zag
Runner-up: Shorn by Sean

Learning in the Workplace Champion
Winner: Julie Formoy, Teaching Assistant, Bignold Primary School
Runner-up: Karina Smart, Meals on Wheels administrator, Norfolk County Council

Winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award, Jack Clifton, 18, from Downham Market, was praised by his employers for the contribution he has made in the Pathology unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Jack said, “I am speechless. The apprenticeship has been great for me and has provided me with a way to get into working for the hospital, which is what I want to do”. On receiving the award, Jack added “My mum will be thrilled!”.

Receiving the Support for Apprenticeships Award for Lintott Control Systems Ltd, Frances Davis, company secretary, said “I just think it is marvellous for the youngsters. We have five apprentices at the moment and are looking to take on more with a new intake. Apprentices are key to our business”.

Sharna Banham, from Zig Zag hair salon in Long Stratton, which received the Small Business Commitment to Learning Award, said, “Apprentices are the backbone of our business. They bring a fresh outlook combined with new talent and ideas to our salon”.

Dick Palmer, Principal, City College Norwich, said, “VQ Day provides an opportunity to celebrate vocational qualifications and to thank the many employers who work with City College Norwich to support vocational success. Employers play a vital role in developing the skills of their current employees and the workforce of tomorrow, and we are delighted to be celebrating this contribution today.”

VQ Day is a UK-wide celebration of the people who gain vocational qualifications every year. Now in its fourth year, VQ Day aims to raise the stature and demonstrate the benefits of practical and vocational qualifications. For more information about VQ Day, visit www.vqday.org