Search for the apprentice team of the year begins

18 Jan 2016 10:17 AM

Employers and training providers are being called upon to enter their apprentices in the official search for the apprentice team of the year.

Now in its fifth year, the Brathay Apprentice Challenge tests apprentices on their teambuilding, leadership, logistical and communications abilities in a series of work-related challenges.

Teams of 9 apprentices entering the Brathay Apprentice Challenge can be from a single employer, a group of small businesses, an industry sector, supply chain or training provider.

The challenge sees teams compete in a series of work-related challenges to develop new skills, showcase their employer and engage with young people and employers promoting the benefits of apprenticeships.

Last year over 700 apprentices from 50 teams entered the Brathay Apprentice Challenge from SMEs to large organisations, colleges and training providers. The apprentices covered a vast array of careers vital to the economy, including aerospace, construction, engineering, creative industries and the public sector.

The 2015 teams conducted more than 300 school visits to talk about the benefits of apprenticeships, recruited over 100 employers to offer apprenticeships and delivered 47 projects to help their communities.

Apprentices from Dale Power Solutions and Sellafield Ltd were jointly named 2015 apprentice teams of the year at Brathay Trust’s Windermere headquarters in July.

On winning the challenge, Adam Sharp, apprentice at Sellafield Ltd, said yesterday:

“We hope that winning the title will aid in our efforts to inspire young people and promote apprenticeships. Hard work, determination and self-confidence are key in success. We also hope that young people can use our journey as a lesson for themselves.”

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said yesterday:

“The quality of work from the teams that take part in the Challenge demonstrates the really impressive contribution that apprentices make to both business and the wider community. It’s a brilliant opportunity for employers to let their great apprentices shine, so I’d encourage them to put their teams forward and enter today.”