Hundreds of talented hopefuls gathered at the Hawthorns in West Bromwich at the Ladder for The Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2024, sponsored by Compass Group UK & Ireland.
Hosted by BBC Apprentice finalist Scarlett Allen-Horton, the event shone the spotlight on the rising stars from across six sectors of industry, ranging from construction and trades to healthcare, tech and hospitality firms, while the industry’s very best training providers also shone.
Taking the prize for overall Apprentice of The Year for 2024 was Abbie Farr-Smith, who was described by judges as an “inspiring blend of determination and talent”, and by her employers at Walsall Council as an “inspiring and valued asset” having started her apprenticeship with the local authority’s finance team two years ago. Abbie was also the winner of the professional services category.
“It was definitely a big surprise. I didn’t really see it coming, I was just really grateful to be nominated,” she said.
“It’s been really enjoyable at Walsall Council, it’s a really good workplace and the managers are really exceptional.
“I’ve always had an interest in finance and I found that the apprentice route was a lot more suitable for me than university route. I think initially when I said I wanted to be an apprentice my mum was a bit like ‘oh no, you’ve got to go to uni!’ but I think now she’s really happy about it.
“I think I learn better by doing things and I think as an apprentice you can do the thing you’re studying, you’re not just in a classroom reading the text books, you’re actually out there doing the job.”
Individual industry winners included “trailblazing” apprentice toolmaker Finlay Attrill of A&M, while Dreamland’s Matthew Randle took the top prize in the Hospitality, Retail, Tourism and Leisure category after completing a level 7 senior leadership apprenticeship award combined with a Master of Business Administration(MBA).
“Initially I went on the course thinking the MBA was the most important part but now the apprenticeship has really come into its own and really impacted the business. I’m really happy and surprised to win, the people I was up against were really high calibre.” he said.
Star Scaffolding apprentice Harrison Mapley’s “exceptional” commitment and work ethic saw him take home the Construction and Property award, while D’arcy-May Jones passion and fresh ideas saw her named as Tech, Digital and Creative apprentice of the year for her work with the Creative Hut in Stourbridge.
“This win is incredibly special, together, as a mother-and-daughters team at The Creative Hut, are passionate about creatively building brands and making an impact,” a spokesperson for the company said.
