Employers
Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards
Each year, we celebrate apprentices, employers, training providers and school/college careers leads through the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards. Â
The awards are managed on a not-for-profit basis by OxLEP Skills and – since they were launched in 2017 – have shone a tremendous light on our county’s apprentices and the schools/colleges, employers and training providers who support them on their journey.Â
The categories are judged and awarded by sponsoring organisations. We are delighted to have the support of Oxford North as the 2024 headline sponsor, who will select the overall Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year from the winners of the five apprentice award categories.Â
Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024
Key dates:
- Awards open: 16 November 2023Â
- Awards close: 19 February 2024 (at midnight)Â
- Finalists announced: 18 April 2024Â
- Awards celebration evening: 16 May 2024
Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024 Finalists
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Grundon
To recognise level 2 apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces. Â
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
Sponsored by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
To recognise level 3 apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces. 
Finalists:Â
Angel Branker, Apprentice Laboratory Technician, University of Oxford
Henry Fletcher, Apprentice Carpenter, Parker Turnbull Developments Limited
Isaac Pylee, Ground Operations Apprentice
Higher / Degree Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Blenheim & Pye Homes
To recognise level 4 and above apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces. 
Finalists:Â
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
To recognise apprentices at any level who have been in post for at least 9 months and have achieved in overcoming significant challenges or barriers to learning or work.
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
To recognise apprentices who have been in post for less than 9 months and have already excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces.
Finalists:Â
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
To recognise individuals who have made outstanding progress in their career since completing their first apprenticeship and have the potential to achieve even more.
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
To recognise individuals who go the extra mile to champion and promote apprenticeships in Oxfordshire.
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
To recognise careers colleagues in local secondary schools and colleges who make a significant contribution to promoting apprenticeships to students and their parents/guardians as part of a wide ranging and inclusive careers programme.
Finalists:
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 Employer of the YearÂ
Sponsored by Oxford Professional Education
To recognise employers in Oxfordshire who have gone the extra mile to inform and inspire the next generation, including engaging with local schools and colleges.
Finalists:
Abbott Diabetes Care
Morgan Sindall Construction
Oxford Playhouse Trust
Training Provider Individual Award
Sponsored by NielsenIQ
To recognise individuals working for organisations that provide apprenticeship training in Oxfordshire (colleges, universities, employer providers and independent training providers) who go the extra mile to support and encourage apprentices and enable individuals to achieve to their potential.
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 (Less Than 250 Employees)
Sponsored by Assure UK
To recognise small and medium sized apprenticeship employers in Oxfordshire that have exceeded normal standards and expectations in providing a high-quality apprenticeship experience.
Finalists:
Edgars
Olamalu
PMC
Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (250 or More Employees)
Sponsored by Owen Mumford
To recognise large apprenticeship employers in Oxfordshire that have exceeded normal standards and expectations in providing a high-quality apprenticeship experience.
Finalists:
Milestone Infrastructure
Oxfordshire County Council
University of Oxford
Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year
Chosen by headline sponsor Oxford North
To recognise the apprentice who has reached the highest levels of excellence and achievement. Chosen by the headline sponsor from the winners of the five apprentice award categories.
With thanks to our other 2024 awards sponsors and supporters
If you are interested in sponsoring the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024, please see our sponsorship pack for details.
Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024 Guidance
Why you should enter the awards
Sarah Jaycock, Co-Founder and Director of High Spec Composites, Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards host, committee member and sponsor and apprenticeship award winner, shares the benefits of entering and her top tips for writing a winning entry.
“Being an awards sponsor is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to supporting apprenticeships and developing new and existing staff to make your business successful. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about apprenticeships outside of your sector, as well as promote your own apprenticeships.”Â
Phil Raven
Milestone Infrastructure
 Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023
Watch the highlights from the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023, which took place on 18 May at the spectacular Williams F1 Conference Centre with our headline sponsor JDE Banbury. Read our article for a list of winners.
Information on Apprenticeships
Are you an employer looking to learn more about the benefits of hiring an apprentice? Visit our information page below to find out how we can help you make the most out of apprenticeships.