The EADT Suffolk Education Awards 2023 aren’t just about celebrating the fantastic work and dedication of Suffolk’s education providers and institutions, they are also an opportunity to let the young people currently in education shout about their achievements.
The Apprentice of the Year category, sponsored by Apprenticeships Suffolk, and the Student of the Year category are all about acknowledging the work ethic, school spirit and community focus shown by the county’s young people, whether they have just finished their SATs or are actively building their careers with a recognised qualification.
Young people are encouraged to enter the awards themselves, or schools, parents, guardians, education establishments and colleagues can nominate the apprentice or student who they think exemplifies the dedication and drive that makes Suffolk’s young people so inspirational - so get your nominations and entries in now!
Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Apprenticeships Suffolk
This award looks to celebrate the work ethic and impact of an outstanding apprentice who has embraced their learning in the workplace, applying their knowledge and skills gained, developing their career and helping to advance their organisation and the wider community.
The award is open to current apprentices or those that have completed their apprenticeship in the last 12 months.
We spoke to Sharon Adam, policy manager – apprenticeships, Apprenticeships Suffolk, about this category.
What does your business/organisation do?
Apprenticeships Suffolk is a team within Suffolk County Council. Our aim is to support employers, aspiring apprentices, schools and training providers by giving the most up to date free and impartial advice and guidance for those embarking on their apprenticeship journey.
Why did you decide to sponsor this award?
Apprenticeships Suffolk are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Suffolk Education Awards. Apprenticeships can help to shape better futures for both employers and apprentices and what better way to acknowledge the vital role
that apprenticeships play in supporting industry, building confidence and creating opportunities on so many levels, than by supporting these fantastic awards?
Do you take on apprentices? If so, what do they bring to your business?
Apprenticeships Suffolk currently employs its own apprentice who is due to complete later this year.
Employing an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated and qualified future workforce.
Why are apprenticeships such an important education route?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where individuals learn while they earn and gain a nationally recognised qualification in the workplace. The combination of both provides the perfect scenario for an individual to gain access to achieving high-quality bespoke training and progression in their chosen sector.
Student of the Year
The title of Student of the Year is open to students of all ages and aims to recognise those exceptional students that exemplify the values of their school and excel in the classroom and beyond.
The winner will be able to demonstrate the positive impact that their studies and learning application have had on their professional development, as well as their commitment to supporting their peers and the wider community.
Judging will focus on four key areas, with entrants expected to show their strong work ethic and impact in the classroom and their dedication to their own personal growth.
They should also provide evidence of how they have supported their peers and classmates throughout the school and details of any extra-curricular activities or projects they have taken on including school teams, a role within the school council or as a student leader or prefect, any charity or volunteer work or something of a similar nature.
Outstanding students are the future of our county, and this award seeks to put the best and brightest in the spotlight.
To enter or make a nomination for either the Apprentice of the Year or Student of the Year category, or to find out about the other categories, please visit suffolkeduawards.co.uk
The deadline for entries is Sunday, August 6, and all of the finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony on Thursday, November 9 at Venue 16 in Ipswich.
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