The work of the Nuclear Business Unit to support and create opportunities for disadvantaged and under-represented young people and adults is vying for honours at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024.
An entry outlining the breadth and depth of the unit’s apprenticeship and skills strategy has been named a North West regional finalist in the Social Justice Employer of the Year category. The award recognises employers who can demonstrate unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for groups through its programmes and support packages.
The entry homes in on the range of programmes that are delivered to support progression into apprenticeships including work experience, employer projects and Future Pathways to develop employability skills.
The Apprenticeship Ready Programme, delivered by All Together Cumbria, which supported 320 students from five schools in West Cumbria in 2023 is also outlined. This offers practical help with interviews and applications for students aspiring to secure an apprenticeship.
It also outlines the significant impact of the annual Festival of Work and newly introduced Quiet Festival of Work, which was specifically designed for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to highlight Apprenticeship opportunities.
The achievements of the All Together Cumbria Neurodiverse Employability Programme and Adult Work Experience Programme are also celebrated for the routes that they can provide to apprenticeships.
The entry also includes our comprehensive approach to onboarding and supporting apprentices, so they are set up to succeed: from enrolment, dedicated employment contract sessions and a comprehensive induction, to continual support from mentors, buddies and Line Managers, pre assessment ‘Good Luck’ cards and quarterly rotations to expose apprentices to different departments to develop their knowledge, technical and personal skills
There is also a special mention for the staff development those in the Nuclear Business Unit who manage or mentor apprentices have received from the Energy Coast University Technical College’s Safeguarding Team, who share best practice, advice and guidance on supporting young people in the workplace – a key component of our decade-long partnership.
Early Careers Advisor Bev Moore says: “As a whole team we’re extremely delighted, excited and honoured to be a North West regional finalist in these prestigious national awards. Being shortlisted in this category is fantastic recognition of our commitment to supporting local communities where we work by enhancing skills and providing access to employment opportunities with long-term prospects.
“The fact this is the first time we’ve entered these awards makes it even more special.”
Andrew Dodds, Social Enterprise Manager, adds: “We’re proud to be leading from the front when it comes to supporting and inspiring young people and adults who require additional support in their career journey.
"By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders and partners, we’re helping to improve their life chances while supporting the needs of the local economy. Making it this far in such a high profile award is superb recognition of what we’re doing.”
The winners from the North West will be unveiled at a ceremony at The Midland Hotel, Manchester, on Thursday, 3 October. They will go through to the national award ceremony on Wednesday, 27 November at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards recognise the achievements of extraordinary apprentices, T Level students, the businesses that employ them, and the individuals that champion apprenticeships and skills.