Showcasing our county's talented young people

Nominate a young person, business or mentor for the 2016 Grow Gloucestershire Showcase Awards and you could change the life of a young person like Shannon or Liam…

Shannon Phillips, 19, won Apprentice of the Year at the 2015 Grow Awards, which was one of the highlights of her career to date: “My proudest moment on the apprenticeship was definitely winning the Grow Award.”

Now into its fourth year, the Grow Awards recognise young people in the workplace and how they positively contribute to businesses, as well as the individuals and companies that support them.

Shannon is a level 3 business administration apprentice at Keyway, a nationwide plant hire company based in Gloucester & Bristol. Since winning the award she’s continued learning and excelling: “I’m now in charge of running contracts and invoices for a whole section of the business!”

The 2014 Apprentice of the Year winner, Liam Aherne, has now completed a Higher Apprenticeship and Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering.

Liam works in the engineering department of ABB, a global company, where he designs, builds and implements machinery and test equipment.

Apart from winning the award, his greatest achievement was working on one of the company’s biggest improvement projects. It was a project that gained recognition throughout ABB and gave Liam a chance to shine.

Liam has finished his apprenticeship and is now employed full time by ABB. He’s starting a degree in engineering in September, which is being paid for by ABB.

If you know a dedicated a deserving apprentice or young person, go online and nominate at www.yes2jobs.co.uk/showcase-awards.

The Grow Awards are also an opportunity to recognise the businesses that welcome apprentices, graduates, and support young people on their exciting journey from school into the working world.

Last year the Motivational Preparation College for Training won the Outstanding Business Support to a Young Person category. One way they support young people is through a bi-annual event to celebrate the achievements of their learners, and they are committed to providing continuous support and opportunities for young people.

If this sounds similar to your business, nominate them now: www.yes2jobs.co.uk/showcase-awards.

Nominations close on 9th September 2016 and there are seven categories to choose from; business support, mentor, careers advisor, apprentice, young person, exceptional achievement and work experience student. For more information, email growawards@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “The Grow awards have made such a difference to recognising the talent in Gloucestershire. They also show what a great contribution young people make to the economy, and how Gloucestershire is a great place to live and work.

“Each year the quality of candidates keeps rising so I can’t wait to see the talent that’s nominated this year.”