The eighth 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 across a wide range of sectors.

Winners will be announced at a special celebration evening on 16 May at Williams Racing Conference Centre.

We are delighted to introduce this year’s fantastic finalists, who are listed below. Congratulations and good luck to all!

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year

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

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 & Forum Limited / 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

Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by Oxford North

• To be chosen by the headline sponsor Oxford North from the winners of the 5 apprentice award categories

Thank you sponsors and supporters

We would like to say a massive thank you to our headline sponsor Oxford North and all our category sponsors.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to all our other generous sponsors and supporters: Abingdon & Witney College, Activate Apprenticeships, Darke & Taylor, High Spec Composites, Jonas Software, Olamalu, Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, Oxford Brookes University, Oxfordshire County Council, South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, Siemens Healthineers, University of Oxford and Williams Racing.

Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) are inviting responses to a new opportunity relating to the delivery of the new ‘Skills Bootcamps’ programme, which aims to support residents in the county to acquire new skills and – in turn – a pathway to employment.

The Skills Bootcamps programme – part of the Department for Education’s ‘Skills for Life’ activity – is being led in Oxfordshire by OxLEP Skills and is set to open to residents this summer.

Offering a range of free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, the Skills Bootcamps programme aims to give people the opportunity to build up a variety of sector-specific skills, helping to fast-track individuals to an interview opportunity with an employer and ultimately, paid work.

OxLEP Skills will be managing the £1.7million Skills Bootcamps programme across Oxfordshire, collaborating with procured partners to deliver training.

In the coming weeks, OxLEP will procure suppliers able to provide those first-class training opportunities through the programme, helping to ensure people have a greater ‘direct line of sight’ into employment, as well as building up solid skills for life.

The procurement process opens on 21st March, with submissions due by 9am on Thursday 2nd May. During this process, a number of supplier briefing sessions will take place to provide interested parties with more information.

A proposed total of 10 courses will be running through Skills Bootcamps, ranging from introductions to digital marketing through to gaining a better understanding of data analytics.

In addition, those attending Skills Bootcamps will be able to develop more practical skills, via courses focusing on areas such as hospitality, green construction and e-bikes.

The programme is fully funded for independent learners (currently unemployed), with majority funding available for employed learners who are sponsored by their employer.

Sally Andreou – Skills Hub Manager at OxLEP – said: “We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver such a vital programme of activity for Oxfordshire communities, helping to boost the employability of our residents.

“From those potentially disengaged with the labour market through to those over the age of 50 looking to reskill in a new area, our Skills Bootcamps are set to have a real impact on the employment opportunities of our residents at a critical economic time both locally and nationally.”

OxLEP has a track record of delivering significant activity, positively affecting the county’s labour market.

Over the past 18 months, OxLEP Skills has delivered its Social Contract programme which has so far seen over £2.5million-worth of apprenticeship levy funding secured from Oxfordshire’s largest employers, subsequently pledged to small businesses, leading to 150 new apprenticeships being created.

Sally added: “We are seeking to work with a range of delivery partners, able to deliver first-class training through the Skills Bootcamps programme and would encourage perspective organisations to review the Skills Bootcamps briefing and engage with our procurement process.”

Tender indicative timetable

Wednesday 3 April:

Supplier briefing session held. You can watch the recording and download the slides and questions and answers from the session.

Tuesday 16 April, 12:00:

Supplier briefing session held. 

Wednesday 27 March:

Deadline for any queries in relation to this tender.

Thursday 2 May, 09:00:

Skills Bootcamps proposal to be submitted to skills@oxfordshirelep.com for the attention of the Skills Bootcamps Co-ordinator. We recommend that you set a delivery receipt to your email.

Tuesday 7 May – Thursday 9 May:

Assessment of proposals received.

Monday 13 May – Thursday16 May:

If required, virtual meetings may take place with bidders.

Monday 20 May:

Suppliers will be notified.

Tuesday 21 May – Monday 3 June:

Standstill period.

Tuesday 4 June:

Contract commencement.

Skills Bootcamps timeline

We anticipate that the programme will be contracted in June 2024 and activity will commence from June 2024, with operational delivery completed by 31 March 2025. Programme close and draft reporting to OxLEP Skills by 31 July 2025, final reporting to OxLEP Skills will be outlined in each individual contract.

For more information and to take part in the procurement process for Skills Bootcamps, review the documentation listed below.

Harriet Stuchbury, Senior Consultant at building performance specialists LCMB explains how SMEs within the facilities management sector can benefit from the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme.

We spend up to 90% of our working lives in buildings, so at LCMB we’ve made it our mission to make sure that buildings perform as well as they possibly can. High performance to us means buildings that contribute to the long term goals of an organisation, allowing building users and organisations to thrive. We’re a small team of consultants based in Adderbury, just outside of Banbury, in Oxfordshire, and though we may be small, our client list is as large and diverse as a Facilities Manager’s to do list.

Our consultants are subject matter experts who help our clients navigate challenges, improve operations and achieve their goals by offering expertise, objective analysis and practical solutions. From concept through to completion, LCMB deliver building optimisation projects that improve your workplaces’ infrastructure and facilities, energy consumption and performance, by delivering a sustainable programme that will drive tangible cost savings and improve your return on investment.

As an SME in the FM sector, we’re noticing, much like other businesses across the sector, that there is a significant skills shortage. With the range of projects we lead for our clients, we need to be agile, adaptable, and have breadth as well as depth of experience. Taking on a degree apprentice gives that individual the experience of the workplace whilst they’re learning. Being both student and consultant gives them the skills to adapt to solve the task at hand, which as a consultant is a vital skill. It also helps our productivity, which is not to say we give the “boring” or “less-important” jobs to the apprentice.

Our Degree Apprentice Consultant, Dominic Hayes, started with us in September 2023. He has been doing data analysis of energy consumption for a number of NHS hospitals, providing support in report writing for a top London university and project management support for a large UK business park. We feel that giving him tasks that contribute to his learning, and make a real-life impact in the work that we produce for our clients shows that we trust him straight away and gives him a sense of responsibility and ownership.

Dom is working towards achieving a BEng (Hons) Building Service Design Engineer Level 6, which covers areas such as heating and ventilation systems, internal environment and comfort, construction practice, energy management, and building services engineering principles. The modules suit both our business and client requirements as we deliver projects that help our clients improve their building infrastructure and seek to save costs on energy. These are all modules that Dom has been able to put into immediate practice.

Dom said: “My daily responsibilities at LCMB compliment my studies and I find the work I do at university seamlessly integrates with my role. There is a broad scope of technical knowledge I acquire from university work which I can apply directly to my job, such as understanding technical drawings and using software such as AutoCAD and Revit. This connection between academic learning and practical application ensures a well-rounded approach to my skill development.”

As an Oxfordshire based SME, we have always had a close relationship with Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) Skills, a local organisation who aim to maximise the full potential of every person who lives and works in the county. They have supported us previously with advertising job roles and have made us aware of careers fairs aimed at school leavers. It was OxLEP who made us aware of the apprenticeship levy transfer, a scheme where employers who do not utilise all their apprenticeship levy themselves can pledge up to 25 per cent of their funds to support SMEs, charities and social enterprises.

Fully-funded through the Social Contract Programme, OxLEP Skills’ Apprenticeship Advisors provide expert, impartial advice to support employers with all aspects of apprenticeships, from start to completion, helping to generate new opportunities for local people to take the first step on their career ladder, retrain or upskill. This includes supporting organisations that pay the apprenticeship levy – those with an annual PAYE bill of more than £3 million – to make best use of these funds to support apprenticeship training and assessment. Employers that don’t utilise all their apprenticeship levy themselves can pledge up to 25% of their funds to support SMEs, charities and social enterprises. OxLEP Skills’ Apprenticeship Advisors find local matches for these pledges, retaining the funds in Oxfordshire to support apprenticeship growth and skills development within the county.

OxLEP’s Apprenticeship Advisor, Leah Bryan, matched us with kitchens, joinery and hardware firm, Howdens, who made a pledge of £79,000 of their levy, specifically to support construction apprenticeships in Oxfordshire, to fund Dom’s apprenticeship training. Emma Leech, Howdens’ Early Careers Manager said of the relationship: “Howdens is founded on the principle of being worthwhile for all concerned. We are committed to helping create opportunities for people to learn new skills in our industry, which is why we have partnered with OxLEP to use our levy transfers to fund apprenticeships in a variety of trades.”

Being matched with Howdens and receiving this pledge with the support of Leah and OxLEP Skills was a straightforward process for us and we would encourage other SMEs to do the same. It required very little effort from our side but the benefit is huge! By taking advantage of Howdens generous pledge, we are not only able to provide valuable experience and learning opportunities for our degree apprentice, but we are also contributing to the growth and development of the construction industry in Oxfordshire. This collaborative approach ensures that we are addressing the skills shortage in our sector while also supporting the local community and economy.

At LCMB, we believe in the power of apprenticeships to bridge the skills gap and drive innovation in the FM and construction sector. We strongly urge other Oxfordshire SMEs to get in touch with OxLEP Skills to explore the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme and take advantage of the opportunity to nurture talent, support local skills development and contribute to the overall growth and success of their industry.

For support to make a pledge, or to access pledged funds, contact skills@oxfordshirelep.com.

Find out more about the apprenticeship support available to employers from OxLEP Skills:

‘Any businesses that are thinking about pledging apprenticeship levy, speak to OxLEP Skills and you’ll be surprised how easy it is! With their support and a 15 minute Teams call, the pledge was live on the system!’

Award-winning 5-star housebuilder The Hill Group are one of a growing number of employers to pledge some of their apprenticeship levy to fund training and assessment for smaller businesses in Oxfordshire through OxLEP Skills’ Social Contract Programme.

Siân Rebourg, Head of Social Value at Hill, was surprised how straightforward making a pledge was. She said: “As platinum members of the 5% club, Hill is committed to supporting new entrants into the industry and recognises the importance of apprenticeships and earn as you learn programmes. We want to support our supply chain and other SME companies in recruiting talent into their businesses through pledging our unspent levy but weren’t sure how to do this.”

“With the support of OxLEP Skills’ Apprenticeship Advisor Nikki Cooper and a 15 minute Teams call, the pledge was live on the system – it was really straightforward and Nikki explained every step. It’s great that we can pledge our levy for the skills needed to keep moving our industry forward. And to see those in the communities that we work in gaining the right skills to have successful careers within our field. Any businesses that are thinking about pledging, speak to OxLEP Skills and you’ll be surprised how easy it is!”

With support from Nikki, Hill has pledged £70,277 and specified that the funds are to be used to support apprenticeships in construction. This has already paid for training for three Level 2 Carpentry Apprentices.

Hill is one of three construction partners working on-site delivering Oxford North, a new innovation district for the city, which will deliver one million sq ft of labs and workspaces, 480 new homes, hotel, nursery, amenities, three new public parks and significant investment in travelling around sustainably.

Victoria Collett, Development Director, Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, said: “We are delighted that Hill’s apprenticeship levy has been shared in Oxfordshire to support the local supply chain – and such a significant amount too.”

“Our project is a significant and intended stimulant for the local economy and employment market. We are working with Oxford City Council and OxLEP to create aspiration and opportunity for local people in various ways, one of which is unlocking levy funding to support apprentices learning locally. Thank you Hill and OxLEP and to Storey Consulting, our social value consultant who helped to make this happen.”

To date, the Social Contract Programme has generated over £2.3M in apprenticeship levy funds for Oxfordshire, with more than £230,000 supporting construction apprenticeships. Levy transfers have so far supported 28 construction apprenticeships with local SMEs, including:

• Level 7 Chartered Town Planner
• Level 6 Building Service Design Engineer
• Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor
• Level 3 Advanced Carpentry and Joinery
• Level 3 Craft Carpentry and Joinery
• Level 3 Plumbing and domestic Heating Technician
• Level 2 Bricklayer
• Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery

For support to make a pledge, or to access pledged funds, contact skills@oxfordshirelep.com.

Find out more about the apprenticeship support available to employers from OxLEP Skills:

Richardsons Chartered Accountants has leveraged the OxLEP Skills apprenticeship levy transfer scheme to significantly enhance their employee training and development programs. This case study explores the impact of the apprenticeship scheme and levy transfer on the firm and its staff, highlighting the benefits and transformations experienced as a result.

Background

Thame and Oxford-based chartered accountants, Richardsons, is ICAEW accredited and was established over 30 years ago. They provide specialist accounting advice for small and medium companies, as well as large corporates and individuals.

With a team of 40, Richardsons pride themselves on their first-class customer service, which has enabled them to form a close relationship with many clients, built on trust. As a result, over 60% of their new clients have been generated from existing client recommendations.

Through OxLEP’s Social Contract Programme, funded by the Contain Outbreak Management Fund through Oxfordshire County Council, OxLEP Skills provide expert, impartial advice to help employers unlock and access the apprenticeship levy. Richardsons Chartered Accountants recognised the opportunity presented by the levy to enhance their employee training and development through apprenticeships.

Richardsons have used apprenticeships in the past, with huge success, as most of their current management team are former apprentices. This is a great motivator for Richardsons current apprentices as they have promotional goals to work towards and can visualise a long-lasting career within the company.

Implementation

Alison Richardson, Managing Partner at Richardsons, first heard about 100% funded courses through the OxLEP Skills levy transfer programme at an event hosted by Richardsons. Sebastian Johnson, who was Head of Innovation and Inward Investment at OxLEP, was impressed at how many apprentices Richardsons had at the time (approximately 15 apprentices) and explained the support that OxLEP Skills could provide, including the levy transfer scheme. Since then, Richardsons has worked closely with OxLEP Skills Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Advisor, Nikki Cooper.

Richardsons’ Client Director, Jack Armstrong notes how easy it was to apply for funding via the OxLEP Skills levy transfer programme. He said: “OxLEP Skills have been incredibly helpful with the transfer. Nikki Cooper, in particular, has been fantastic with facilitating the transfer.”

Although Richardsons invests in keeping its employees’ knowledge up to date via specialist courses in relation to staff continuous professional development requirements with professional bodies such as ICAEW, CIMA and AAT, benefitting from the levy means that a wider range of staff can attend more specialist courses which helps to develop the overall skill level of the team and improving collaboration.

Key findings

The OxLEP Skills apprenticeship scheme and levy transfer have had a significant positive impact on Richardsons Chartered Accountants, demonstrated by the following outcomes:

Certainty and assurance: the ability to secure funding through the levy transfer provides the firm with certainty in planning and executing staff training programs. This assurance means that employees consistently receive top-tier training from esteemed training providers.

Benefits beyond cost savings: while the financial advantages are clear, the apprenticeship scheme has introduced additional benefits, including heightened awareness of developmental areas within the firm. This holistic approach to staff development has fostered a conducive learning environment.

Essential role in staff development: training facilitated by the apprenticeship levy has become a critical component of the firm’s employee development strategy. The quality and effectiveness of the training make it an indispensable aspect of nurturing talent.

Recruitment and retention: the ability to advertise substantial training as part of a role at Richardsons has had a positive impact on recruitment rates at the company. Not only has it helped with hiring but with staff retention too, helping to underpin staff loyalty and meaning staff turn over at the company is at an all time low.

Rachel Walker, a current apprentice at Richardsons, shares her personal experience: “Joining Richardsons and choosing to complete an apprenticeship is the best decision I have ever made. Having come out of university with an undergraduate and master’s degree I went straight into a career related to my degree and found out it wasn’t for me. I found it very lonely and not very challenging. That’s why I decided to change my career plan completely and interviewed at Richardsons for a trainee role. I haven’t looked back since, and I now enjoy going to work every day. Richardsons have been so supportive in aiding my learning and development. Everyone is so friendly and want you to be able to achieve your very best.

I am currently two years into my ACA apprenticeship with just over 18 months to go. As part of my apprenticeship, I complete my studies at Reed Business School in the Cotswolds. Reed Business School is a residential college, so whenever I have a course, I get to stay there with all meals provided. This is great for just being able to immerse yourself in your studies without any outside distractions. The tutors are all very supportive and are willing to go out of their way to help you.

I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone straight out of school, university or even anyone looking for a career change. It’s great way to learn new skills and gain experience whilst earning a salary.”

Future training needs

Jack Armstrong explains that good quality candidates will always be required to join the growing business. Without the levy transfer programme, SMEs usually pay 5% of the overall cost of staff training. Jack states that good quality training is essential for Richardsons staff members so if the levy transfer was not available, it would become an essential cost to the firm.

The success experienced by Richardsons Chartered Accountants through the apprenticeship levy has led them to recommend the OxLEP Skills team and the OxLEP Skills levy transfer scheme to other employers across Oxfordshire, underscoring the value it adds to businesses.

Conclusion

Richardsons Chartered Accountants’ strategic use of the OxLEP Skills apprenticeship levy scheme has not only provided financial benefits but has also enriched the professional development of their staff. The case of Rachel Walker illustrates the transformative power of apprenticeships, offering a pathway to a rewarding career.

Through quality training, support and a diverse range of experiences, Richardsons fosters an environment where employees thrive. Their story serves as a shining example for other Oxfordshire SMEs considering getting involved with the apprenticeship levy programme to advance their workforce development initiatives.

Hosted by Oxfordshire Careers Hub, Careers Fest is the region’s most anticipated and exciting careers event. It will take place on 20-21 March at The Kassam Stadium, with a ‘twilight’ session for parents and careers on 20 March from 16:30-19:30.

We’re delighted to introduce Morgan Sindall Construction as a headline sponsor of Careers Fest 2024. Their generous support has helped to fund transport costs for schools and colleges visiting Careers Fest during the day, enabling more students to attend.

Morgan Sindall Construction is part of Morgan Sindall Group plc, nine businesses who specialise in all elements of the built environment – construction, infrastructure, fit out, property services, housing, regeneration and development.

Their purpose is to create inspiring places that enhance the communities in which we all live, learn, work, play, care and protect. 

With apprenticeship and trainee schemes available to all regardless of age, their programmes are designed to give you the best start in your role.

Visit the Morgan Sindall Construction stand at Careers Fest to discover dynamic opportunities in construction and explore a multitude of career paths, uncover diverse construction industry roles and pathways and learn about alternative job roles beyond on-site work. Their knowledgeable team will be available to address any questions and help you get started on your construction career journey.

Visit Careers Fest

Careers Fest offers the opportunity to meet a range of employers, further education colleges, universities and training providers, with around 75 exhibitors offering information, advice and guidance on future pathways and careers from a varied range of sectors.

Register to attend the session for parents/carers at  https://careersfest2024twilightsession.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow us on social media @OxLEPSkills for all the latest on Careers Fest and join in the conversation using the hashtag #CF2024.

Hosted by Oxfordshire Careers Hub, Careers Fest is the region’s most anticipated and exciting careers event. It will take place on 20-21 March at The Kassam Stadium, with a ‘twilight’ session for parents and careers on 20 March from 16:30-19:30.

We’re delighted to introduce the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) as a headline sponsor of Careers Fest 2024. Their generous support has helped to fund transport costs for schools and colleges visiting Careers Fest during the day, enabling more students to attend.

STFC is one of Europe’s largest research organisations, trusted to support, enable, and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. At STFC, research driven by practical applications meets research driven by curiosity to create a world-leading hub of scientific and engineering excellence.

STFC is a place where curious minds push the boundaries in engineering, technology and science. They are recruiting apprentices on their gold accredited apprenticeship scheme, in roles as diverse as engineering, electrical, computing, project management, IT and business administration.

Whatever your role, whether technical or professional support, you’ll have training and support from experts in their fields working on amazing projects. STFC’s dedicated apprenticeship team will support you every step of the way, helping you to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover!

Find out more about careers with STFC at https://stfccareers.co.uk

Visit Careers Fest

Careers Fest offers the opportunity to meet a range of employers, further education colleges, universities and training providers, with around 75 exhibitors offering information, advice and guidance on future pathways and careers from a varied range of sectors.

Register to attend the session for parents/carers at  https://careersfest2024twilightsession.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow us on social media @OxLEPSkills for all the latest on Careers Fest and join in the conversation using the hashtag #CF2024.

Hosted by Oxfordshire Careers Hub, Careers Fest is the region’s most anticipated and exciting careers event. It will take place on 20-21 March at The Kassam Stadium, with a ‘twilight’ session for parents and careers on 20 March from 16:30-19:30.

We’re delighted to introduce Howden Insurance as a headline sponsor of Careers Fest 2024. Their generous support has helped to fund transport costs for schools and colleges visiting Careers Fest during the day, enabling more students to attend.

Howden Insurance is a global insurance and risk advisor and a home for 16,000 talented professionals in the fields of broking, risk management, underwriting and reinsurance. Howden is the 5th largest employee-owned business in the UK and one of the largest insurance groups in the world.

The team at Howden Insurance understand that choosing the right career path is never easy. Whether you are leaving education or are new to the world of work, making the right decision for you is important.

At Howden Insurance, the focus on being a people-first business with a unique culture has always been at the heart of what they do. If you enjoy talking to new people, solving problems and are keen to make a difference, visit their stand and the friendly team will show you that your potential in insurance will be anything but boring!

Visit Careers Fest

Careers Fest offers the opportunity to meet a range of employers, further education colleges, universities and training providers, with around 75 exhibitors offering information, advice and guidance on future pathways and careers from a varied range of sectors.

Register to attend the session for parents/carers at  https://careersfest2024twilightsession.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow us on social media @OxLEPSkills for all the latest on Careers Fest and join in the conversation using the hashtag #CF2024.

Hosted by Oxfordshire Careers Hub, Careers Fest is the region’s most anticipated and exciting careers event. It will take place on 20-21 March at The Kassam Stadium, with a ‘twilight’ session for parents and careers on 20 March from 16:30-19:30.

We’re delighted to introduce Blenheim & Pye Homes as a headline sponsor of Careers Fest 2024. Their generous support has helped to fund transport costs for schools and colleges visiting Careers Fest during the day, enabling more students to attend.

Blenheim Palace attracts visitors from around the world, is a filming location, a venue for weddings and events, as well as a producer and supplier of natural mineral water which comes from a natural spring on the estate, this is then bottled at their very own bottling plant. Blenheim Estate is rich in forestry and farming practices. As well as being a landowner, they also own a construction business with a portfolio of residential and commercial properties across Oxfordshire.

It’s also a place where apprenticeships are valued, with a 10-year plan in place to employ 100 apprentices in all areas across the estate and Pye Homes, ensuring they are part of day to day life.

At Blenheim & Pye, the team bring every element of the business to life; a business that extends to the wider estate and welcomes anyone with a keen interest in property, building & contracting, farming, land management and much more.

Blenheim & Pye prioritise growing their own talent, supporting the community, and upskilling their staff as integral components of their people planning strategy. As an outstanding employer recognised by Best Companies, they foster an inclusive environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging, rooted in their own behaviours and values.

Blenheim & Pye extend a heartfelt welcome to all attendees at the Kassam Stadium for what promises to be an inspiring event. Visit their stand to find out about the unique opportunities they have on offer, ranging from farming to finance and everything in between.

Visit Careers Fest

Careers Fest offers the opportunity to meet a range of employers, further education colleges, universities and training providers, with around 75 exhibitors offering information, advice and guidance on future pathways and careers from a varied range of sectors.

Register to attend the session for parents/carers at  https://careersfest2024twilightsession.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow us on social media @OxLEPSkills for all the latest on Careers Fest and join in the conversation using the hashtag #CF2024.

Hosted by Oxfordshire Careers Hub, Careers Fest is the region’s most anticipated and exciting careers event. It will take place on 20-21 March at The Kassam Stadium, with a ‘twilight’ session for parents and careers on 20 March from 16:30-19:30.

We’re delighted to introduce Grundon as a headline sponsor of Careers Fest 2024. Their generous support has helped to fund transport costs for schools and colleges visiting Careers Fest during the day, enabling more students to attend.

Grundon provides a total waste management service for the collection, treatment, recycling, recovery and disposal of all non-hazardous waste streams, including general waste, mixed recycling, paper cups, confidential waste and food waste.

They see waste as a valuable resource and take every opportunity to reuse, recycle and recover materials, using complex plants, computers, robots and artificial intelligence.

Grundon have long utilised apprenticeships within their vehicle workshops and have had great success in this field, with two of their recent workshop managers starting their careers as apprentices.

Over the past 12 months, Grundon have widened their scope of apprenticeships within the business, upskilling current employees with aspirations to progress their careers and offering new opportunities to people joining the business in a variety of apprenticeship roles, including sales, human resources, administration and engineering.

As a headline sponsor of Careers Fest, the Grundon team look forward to welcoming visitors to their stand and showcasing the varied career opportunities in their fascinating and ever-evolving industry.

Visit Careers Fest

Careers Fest offers the opportunity to meet a range of employers, further education colleges, universities and training providers, with around 75 exhibitors offering information, advice and guidance on future pathways and careers from a varied range of sectors.

Register to attend the session for parents/carers at  https://careersfest2024twilightsession.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow us on social media @OxLEPSkills for all the latest on Careers Fest and join in the conversation using the hashtag #CF2024.

Hosted by Oxfordshire Careers Hub, Careers Fest is the region’s most anticipated and exciting careers event. It will take place on 20-21 March at The Kassam Stadium, with a ‘twilight’ session for parents and careers on 20 March from 16:30-19:30.

We’re delighted to introduce Abbott as a headline sponsor of Careers Fest 2024. Their generous support has helped to fund transport costs for schools and colleges visiting Careers Fest during the day, enabling more students to attend.

Abbott are dedicated to helping people live more fully, in everything they do. They are creating the future of healthcare through life-changing technologies and products that make people healthier and stronger, quickly identify when they have a medical need and treat conditions to help them get back to doing what they love.

In Witney, they have a world-class technical and manufacturing facility for Abbott’s Diabetes Care business. This is part of the medical device division within Abbott, developing and manufacturing life-changing technologies that enable people with diabetes to live the best and fullest lives they can.

Abbott are committed to supporting the next generation of engineers and technicians. They encourage and support young people to pursue further education through a variety of routes other than university and have been employing apprentices for over 20 years, with many of their earliest apprentices remaining in the business.

Visit Careers Fest

Careers Fest offers the opportunity to meet a range of employers, further education colleges, universities and training providers, with around 75 exhibitors offering information, advice and guidance on future pathways and careers from a varied range of sectors.

Register to attend the session for parents/carers at  https://careersfest2024twilightsession.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow us on social media @OxLEPSkills for all the latest on Careers Fest and join in the conversation using the hashtag #CF2024.

Hosted by Oxfordshire Careers Hub, Careers Fest is the region’s most anticipated and exciting careers event. It will take place on 20-21 March at The Kassam Stadium, with a ‘twilight’ session for parents and careers on 20 March from 16:30-19:30.

We’re delighted to introduce Persimmon Homes Wessex as a headline sponsor of Careers Fest 2024. Their generous support has helped to fund transport costs for schools and colleges visiting Careers Fest during the day, enabling more students to attend.

Persimmon Homes is a leading UK housebuilder with 29 operating businesses, three house-building brands and three off-site manufacturing facilities, providing homes and serving local communities across the UK.

Persimmon’s Wessex region is currently developing sites across Oxfordshire, including the charming Wellington Gate in Grove, Wantage, to the vibrant new development at Valley Park, Didcot.

Persimmon believe in growing and developing their own talent, from industry-leading training, opportunities to progress within the business and clear career paths.

“Explore a realm where your skills can grow and new ones can be learned. Whether you’re just beginning or advancing your career, find your stride with us.”

Persimmon Homes Wessex is honoured to support Careers Fest and hope it offers valuable insights for young people as they navigate their career journey.

Visit Careers Fest

Careers Fest offers the opportunity to meet a range of employers, further education colleges, universities and training providers, with around 75 exhibitors offering information, advice and guidance on future pathways and careers from a varied range of sectors.

Register to attend the session for parents/carers at  https://careersfest2024twilightsession.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow us on social media @OxLEPSkills for all the latest on Careers Fest and join in the conversation using the hashtag #CF2024.