The ninth 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 at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 22 May 2025 at Blenheim Palace.
We’re delighted to introduce Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as sponsor of the Inspiring The Future Employer Award, which will recognise employers in Oxfordshire who have gone the extra mile to inform and inspire the next generation, including engaging with local schools and colleges.
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. Their services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes. We focus on delivering care as close to home as possible.
Here, Vicky Drew, Deputy Head of Learning and Development and Robyn Venables, Education Quality Assurance Lead, explain why they have chosen to sponsor this award and what apprenticeships mean to them.
Why are you supporting the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards and why you have chosen to sponsor your particular category?
Oxford Health are very pleased to sponsor the Inspiring the Future Employer Award.
As a provider, but also a large employer, we know how important it is to inspire and support apprentices. We are looking forward to hearing about who is doing this particularly well and would like to shine a light on them.
We continue to support the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards as we are passionate about the talent and skills we have here in Oxfordshire. It is also a wonderful way to network and get to know other apprenticeship partners.
What are you looking for in the winner of your category?
We are looking for an employer who goes that extra mile to inspire the next generation, as well as support their learners to achieve and thrive. We would like to hear about how employers encourage and support their apprentices to engage with school and colleges, so that young people are enthused and curious about apprenticeship programmes.
What would you say to anyone thinking about entering or nominating?
Do not think twice! There are numerous benefits to entering or nominating an employer; including recognition, sharing of good practice, opening doors to future opportunities, and of course getting to attend a magnificent celebration event.
Tell us about your organisation’s experience of apprenticeships
We started our apprenticeship journey as a provider in 2017 and now, as a Main Provider, have a whole suite of programmes on offer. We play a big part in ensuring there are enough qualified healthcare staff locally; whether we deliver the programmes or partner with universities.
If you know a recently qualified Healthcare Assistant, Nurse, or Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner in Oxfordshire, then they probably were an apprentice with us! We also offer leadership, administration, and education apprenticeships – so we really do have something for everyone!
About the awards
The awards will be open for entries and nominations until midnight on the evening of Monday 24 February 2025. Finalists will be announced during Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (hashtag #OAHour) across the OxLEP Skills social media channels from 13:00 on Thursday 24 April 2025. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Thursday 22 May 2025.
If you would like the opportunity to support the awards, please get in touch.
Join us for Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Hour (#OAHour) on X @OxonApprentice from 13:00-14:00 every Thursday for latest on the Awards and join in the conversation using the hashtag #OAAwards2025.