Apprentice accolade for council

Joyce Ward, head of HR business support services, holding the council’s Apprentice Employer of the Year award, and Beth Mills with her highly commended certificate in the Advanced Apprentice of the Year

OLDHAM Council was named Apprentice Employer of the Year in the Greater Manchester heat of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North-West Learner Awards.

The award was announced at a glittering award ceremony hosted by TV personality and former “Blue Peter” presenter Konnie Huq at Manchester Town Hall.

Councillor Lynne Thompson, finance and resources manager, collected the award on behalf of the council along with Joyce Ward, head of HR business support services, and Emma Alexander, executive director for performance capacity and support.

Councillor Thompson said: “I’m accepting this award on behalf of a lot of people, especially our apprentices — I wish they could all be with us tonight.

“They work so hard and have given us so much, so thank you to each and every one of them.

“We’re very proud of them, and of this award.”

Also successful was 21-year-old Oldham Council employee Beth Mills, from Failsworth, who was a highly-commended finalist in the Advanced Apprentice category.

Beth, who won a certificate and vouchers, is carrying out an apprenticeship in business administration with the council, and trains with OTC Consultancy.

Guest of honour Miss Huq, who has a degree in economics from Cambridge University, said: “There are so many people in the world who just don’t have the chance to learn or develop skills, and we should value our opportunities every day.”

Jane Bracewell, area director with LSC Greater Manchester South, said: “Better skills mean better jobs and better lives — there are no losers in learning and I congratulate you all.”

The winners in each category could now go on to be named North-West winner, competing against winners from Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Greater Merseyside and Lancashire.