The University’s Estates and Facilities team has been named ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year’ at this year’s Eastleigh College Training Ambassador Awards to round off National Apprenticeship Week.
The Awards, presented by Caroline Nokes MP during a ceremony at the College, highlight and recognise the commitment of Hampshire employers to outstanding staff development based on nominations from their own employees.
University Electrical Engineer Yarian Slevin accepted the award on behalf of the University accompanied by Billy D’Souza, Level 3 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Apprentice.
“We have always tried to do our best as an employer, but never expected to be picked out of so many other nominations,” said Yarian. “I think it’s really important to invest in training as our young people need as many opportunities as they can get to be as prepared as possible to go into the modern working environment. By developing those skills early, we feel that we can really get the best out of them and really develop them into world-class employees, here in the UK. It’s really exciting to hear Billy’s comments, and we are ecstatic to be given that feedback; it’s nice to know that were heading in the right direction and continuously improving.”
Billy spoke of the constant support the University has given him with his Apprenticeship, saying, “Nothing is ever too much to ask and they are always interested in how I am getting on and how they can assist me. They have subsidised my training and put me on countless extra courses to help and further my qualifications at their own expense. All of this, and more, makes the University of Southampton an excellent employer.”
The University joined four other employers from the region at the Awards with Blake Lapthorn Solicitors taking the honours as Local Employer of the Year. Also shortlisted were InTandem Systems Ltd, Prysmian Cables and Systems Ltd and Queens Terrace Dental Practice.
The finalists were all selected by the College’s senior management team from over 100 student submissions as employers who go beyond the call of duty to promote and invest in learning and development.
Caroline Nokes commented: “It’s fantastic to see such a diverse range of employers being recognised today and to see the commitment that both the employers and Apprentices have to the scheme. It is particularly nice to speak to the Apprentices who are such phenomenal advocates for undertaking an Apprenticeship.”