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. 

The awards will open for entries and nominations on 16 November and close at midnight on the evening of 19 February 2024. The awards celebration event will be held on 16 May 2024 from 18:30 – 21:30 at Williams Racing Conference Centre in Grove.

We are looking for an event/video company to work closely with the Skills Hub team to help us deliver a professional awards evening. Please download our brief to find out more.

Quotes and confirmation of brief to be submitted by 17:00 on Thursday 30 November 2023.

If you have any queries, please contact Melanie Ringer on melanie.ringer@oxfordshirelep.com or 07880 042658.

Over £1 million of unused apprenticeship levy has now been secured in levy transfers across Oxfordshire to open the door to new apprenticeship opportunities and talent.

The levy transfers, facilitated by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (OxLEP) Skills team (OxLEP Skills), form part of a wider programme of activity to support the creation of new jobs and talent within the local business community.

Hitting this milestone means that OxLEP Skills has now reached over 75% of its £1.3 million target for levy pledges as part of the Social Contract Programme. The £1.7 million initiative was set up in May 2022, introduced as part of a number of measures aimed at helping Oxfordshire’s economic recovery from the pandemic.

The Social Contract Programme aims to boost the county’s skills and drive economic growth, helping local companies tap into their apprenticeship levy and unlock new talent in their workforce through training and assessment.

This milestone achievement has been made possible by employers across the region taking part in the scheme. Pledging their investment in apprentices, employers are opening the door to opportunities available to them in the local area and helping to retain talent locally.

The apprenticeship levy, paid by large employers with an annual pay bill of £3 million or more, can choose to transfer up to 25% of their levy funds each year to help other businesses pay for their apprenticeship training and assessment.

Sally Andreou, Skills Hub Manager at OxLEP, said: “Hitting this £1 million target is a major milestone for the team at OxLEP Skills and we are thrilled to have the support of so many local businesses. These employers are making a real difference in their communities, supporting the volume and quality of apprenticeships across the region by pledging their unused levy funds.

Apprenticeships are a vital part of our economy, and by reinvesting apprenticeship levy funding we can support smaller businesses in the county to grow their workforce and retain high quality talent by helping them to develop the skills they need.”

She added: “We have a growing list of employers who have pledged their unused Levy several times, including Pearson, JDE Banbury and the University of Oxford. We encourage small businesses in Oxfordshire who have not yet taken advantage of the funds available through the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme to get involved and unlock the door to a growing future workforce.”

One of the many organisations benefitting from the levy transfer scheme in Oxfordshire is Hedena Health. After taking advantage of the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme in 2022, with support from OxLEP Skills and the Thames Valley Primary Care Workforce, Hedena Health successfully filled an apprenticeship position in Oxford with funding transferred from local large employer JDE Banbury.

Through the scheme, apprentice Bethany Lawrence began her two-year apprenticeship as an Apprentice Healthcare Assistant in October 2022. As Hedena’s first apprentice, the success of the role has started conversation around the different qualification pathways into healthcare and could provide a solution to the immense pressure and talent shortage currently being faced by the NHS.

To find out how your business can pledge unused apprenticeship levy or gain access to funding or support for an apprenticeship, please contact OxLEP’s apprenticeship advisors via skills@oxfordshirelep.com.

An ambitious new Community Employment Plan has been published to set out how Oxford North will maximise the opportunities created for local people and businesses during the next 18 months of construction which includes a target to create more than 50 new apprenticeships.

Initial infrastructure construction and drainage works started on-site in August 2021 and are near completion.

Delivered through The Hill Group’s infrastructure team, the works have resulted in 251 new jobs and six apprenticeships.

As the project has moved into its next phase to build the Red Hall, first two lab buildings and new central park along with Hill‘s Canalside new homes and Careys‘ A44 improvement works, the construction partners have signed up to employment, skills and training targets. These cover local labour, supply chain and procurement, engaging with education, youth and apprenticeships and disadvantaged communities.

The Community Employment Plan is part of the strategic Training, Employment & Business Strategy, which was approved by Oxford City Council with OxLEP as part of the vision to ensure that Oxford North is a significant and intended stimulant for the local economy and employment market to create aspiration and opportunity for local people.

Deliverables have been agreed to reflect the nature of the next phase of works and include a minimum 15% local Oxfordshire employment, 55 apprenticeships, 37 work experience opportunities, 680 hours of volunteering, career events, school engagement and site tours.

Image: Alex Morley, Trainee Site Manager, The Hill Group.

An Oxford North social value steering group is in place that includes Oxford City Council, OxLEP, Department of Work & Pensions, Abingdon & Witney College, Activate Learning, Aspire and Construction Industry Training Board.

The Steering Group will meet quarterly and were on-site on 7 June (see above image) to review the new Community Employment Plan and how they will support the sourcing of local candidates.

Victoria Collett, Development Director at Thomas White Oxford, said: “We have a passionate belief in the value that apprenticeships and jobs can have in increasing social mobility and supporting businesses to grow.

“In the last two years, the enabling infrastructure works have been carried out, before the first new homes, labs, offices, parks and amenities start being built for Oxford’s new innovation district. We’re proud that this early phase of work saw local job creation, including some first generation employees in construction.

“As our project continues, these opportunities will increase, not only in the construction phases but also in the future through the life sciences and tech companies that locate at Oxford North, which will help ensure we have a resilient economy. We are grateful to our construction partners for the care and attention they have given to maximising opportunities and the positive social impact we can have.”

David Camp, Chief Executive Officer at Stanhope plc, added: “As Oxford North’s construction continues, part of this plan is to continue engaging with our wider supply chain to maximise opportunities for local people by providing apprenticeships for school leavers and graduate positions within the immediate phase of construction, for example, excavation and substructure works, fit out works, landscaping, green skills and much more.

“As we move into the building phase there will be further apprenticeship opportunities available. We are liaising with schools, colleges and universities to help explain the range of exciting skills and careers available in the construction industry.”

Tom Storey, Social Value Consultant at Storey Consulting, added: “Oxford North pioneers a transformative approach through forging pathways to prosperous careers, apprenticeships and work experience. They are committing to maximising social impact through planning, procuring and delivering each stage of the project. Our collaboration with colleges, the council and local stakeholders ensures a region-wide approach, catalyses growth and creates an opportunity for all.”

Oxford North is a new £700 million global innovation district being built on 64 acres of land within Oxford city’s northern boundary. The project is being delivered by joint venture commercial development partners Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, with Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope, alongside residential development partner The Hill Group. Oxford North will contribute circa £150 million per year in GVA to the economy.

A new, dedicated Jobs page has been set-up where people can view the range of Oxford North jobs currently available.

The seventh annual Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards once again shone 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.

Around 170 guests attended a fantastic celebration evening on 18 May 2023 at the iconic Williams Racing Confreence Centre to hear the winners and highly commended finalists announced. They are listed below.

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year

Winner:

• Joshua Read-Strahan – Apprentice Sports Coach, Ignite Sport UK

Highly commended:

• Cameron Bastable – Healthcare Support Worker Apprentice, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Timmy Blake – Palace Maintenance Assistant, Blenheim Palace

Advanced Apprentice of the Year

Winner:

• Cerys Massey – Clinical Services Administrator, Woodstock Surgery

Highly commended:

• Emilia Callaghan – Events and Hospitality Apprentice, Blenheim Palace
• Kelly Huggard – HR Coordinator, Blenheim Palace

Higher / Degree Apprentice of the Year

Winner:

• Chez Bousfield – CAHMS Service Improvement Coordinator, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

Highly commended:

• Wendy Matshazi – Learning and Development Lead, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Elliot O’Brien – Architectural Apprentice, Jessop and Cook Architects

Special Recognition Award

Winner:

• Tiffany Hickman – Finance Apprentice, Blenheim Palace

Highly commended:

• Jamie Kavanagh – Insight Analyst, Oxfordshire County Council
• Katie Sweet – Apprentice Technician, JDE Banbury

Rising Star Award

Winner:

• Lucy Parsons – Apprentice Finance and Accounting Technician, University of Oxford

Highly commended:

• Fi Thomas – Commercial Procurement Apprentice, Oxford City Council
• Jasmine Williams – Spa Apprentice, Minster Mill, Andrew Brownsword Hotel Group

Shining Star Award

Winner:

• Danielle Hoare – HR & Communications Officer, Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford

Highly commended:

• Jessica Aguirre – Trainee Claims and Inquests Officer, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Nairne Barker – Business Development Executive, Abingdon & Witney College

Apprenticeship Ambassador Award

Winner:

• Grace Robinson – Apprentice Mechatronic Technician, JDE Banbury

Highly commended:

• Grace Dawson – EPA Coordinator, Explosive Learning Solutions
• Jamie Kavanagh – Insight Analyst, Oxfordshire County Council

Careers Champion Award

Winner:

• Claire Christiansen – Careers Lead, Larkmead School

Highly commended:

• Andrew Hemming – Assistant Head Teacher, Chilworth House Upper School
• Jackie Mustoe – Careers Lead and Exams Manager, Carterton Community College

Inspiring the Future Employer of the Year

Winner:

• Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Highly commended:

• Explosive Learning Solutions
• Hill Group

Training Provider Individual Award

Winner:

• Sonia King – Pre-apprentice Training Co-ordinator, ACE Training

Highly commended:

• Emma Corless – Learning and Development Manager, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Iwona Elliott – Learning and Development Lead, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (Less Than 250 Employees)

Winner:

• Oxfordshire Youth

Highly commended:

• FMB Oxford
• Williams Jet Tenders

Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (250 or More Employees)

Winner:

• Oxfordshire County Council

Highly commended:

• Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Taylor & Francis

Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year

Winner:

• Joshua Read-Strahan – Apprentice Sports Coach, Ignite Sport UK

Last year we announced the launch of the Social Contract Programme, £1.7m-worth of activity funded by the government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund to remove barriers to employment for individuals impacted most by the pandemic or experiencing challenges to employment, education and training.

The programme also aims to support businesses based in the county looking to champion apprenticeships through ‘unlocking’ or transferring their Apprenticeship Levy.

A key initiative within the Social Contract Programme sets out to encourage Oxfordshire businesses to ‘Grow your Own’ talent, utilising the Apprenticeship Levy or pledging it elsewhere in the county.

With £3.3billion of unspent Apprenticeship Levy returned to HM Treasury in 2021, OxLEP Skills are urging businesses to make the most of these funds – or where this is not possible internally, work towards your Corporate Social Responsibility goals for 2023 by supporting apprenticeships within your fellow Oxfordshire organisations.

Over the past few months we have shared the stories of numerous businesses who have engaged with the programme, by pledging their Apprenticeship Levy with support from the Social Contract – with Jacobs Douwe Egberts UK and the University of Oxford just two of the organisations to take the Social Contract ‘levy pledge pot’ over £163,000.

These Apprenticeship Levy pledges are enormously valuable to the county’s SMEs, growth businesses and organisations looking to grow their teams or support their existing skills ambitions.

One of these businesses is Witney-based Edgars Limited, with the award-winning Oxfordshire Planning Consultancy constantly looking to evolve their staff team and support the various routes to gain skills within the county, through initiatives such as apprenticeship schemes.

Utilising funding pledged by the University of Oxford, Edgars have created two Level 7 Town Planning Degree Apprenticeships – now being occupied by Charlie Bowyer, a post-graduate from Oxford Brookes University and Sam Biles, a school leaver who has advanced through the apprenticeship route to this Level 7 opportunity.

Charlie and Sam are just two examples of how supporting apprenticeships within the county can contribute to highlighting the value of different – or numerous – skills pathways, particularly to young people, those looking to change career, or those looking to gain skills, qualifications and work their way up through an organisation because they may otherwise face challenges entering their preferred profession – or the labour market in general.

Jayne Norris, Co-Director of Edgars – said: “OxLEP Skills successfully facilitated the Apprenticeship Levy transfer for us through the Social Contract Programme and helped guide us through this process.

“We feel privileged to have partnered with the University of Oxford and OxLEP Skills and that our apprentices can be proud that they’re being sponsored by the University.

“The Apprenticeship Levy transfer funds ensure we’re able to train and develop our apprentices to the high standards we expect from our staff. It also has a knock-on effect, as this investment allows us to invest in our local community and provide opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.

“We’re hugely passionate about supporting apprenticeships here at Edgars and see it as the way forward – we strongly believe there is great benefit in having employees from diverse backgrounds and providing opportunities such as apprenticeships also helps with staff engagement and retention.

“We’ve also received support through the Social Contract Apprenticeship Grant Scheme, which can be used towards travel costs – through means such as driving lessons, as well as reducing other barriers for apprentices, such as key course-related activities.

“Any assistance for a small business is beneficial to help us grow and develop.”

Sam Biles, one of the Edgars Planners pursuing their apprenticeship with support received through the Social Contract’s ‘Grow Your Own’ Apprenticeship Levy transfer initiative – said: “This year I will begin the Level 7 element of my Chartered Town Planner apprenticeship and I’m excited to continue developing the knowledge and skills that will help me both academically and in the work environment.

“I’m grateful to Oxford University and OxLEP Skills for their support and would urge others to explore apprenticeships if they are interested – it’s a unique and worthwhile experience.”

Charlie Bowyer, a Graduate Planner at Edgars also furthering his studies with support from the programme, said: “Having the opportunity to complete my postgraduate studies whilst working within Oxfordshire had always been an ambition of mine – and now this opportunity has arisen, largely due to the funding received from the University of Oxford.

“I feel fortunate to have received this funding and want to demonstrate why Oxfordshire can produce some of the best apprentices around – largely due to the opportunity and trust provided through initiatives such as this.”

Helen Johnson, Apprenticeship Manager at the University of Oxford, said of the University’s involvement within the programme: “The University approved the implementation of our Apprenticeship Strategy in 2021, showing our commitment to apprenticeships.

“One of the aims of this is to ensure that we are transferring the full 25% allowance of our annual levy to other organisations. We are delighted that we have so far committed to over £1.1 million of levy transfer to charities, healthcare, SMEs, women in tech, as well as organisations within our supply chain.

“We aim to make the process as simple as possible to encourage other organisations to transfer unspent levy to others.”

There are currently around 220 businesses in Oxfordshire that pay the Apprenticeship Levy, but are currently not utilising it. Engaging in the Social Contract programme and retaining levy funds locally will support vital skills growth across Oxfordshire and help employers develop talent pipelines and retain key skills within the county.

To make the whole process as easy and as simple as possible for a business to transfer their Apprenticeship Levy, OxLEP Skills also have two ‘Apprenticeship Advisors’ who can offer their time totally free of charge.

Join OxLEP Skills’ mission to ‘Grow your Own’ talent here in Oxfordshire, whilst benefiting from free support and advice for your organisation through our Social Contract Programme.