Stockport winners at Skills for Business awards 2017

Shortlisted in eight categories, Stockport Council were winners of the ‘Large Business of the Year Award’ at the Skills for Business Awards 2017, beating The Co-op and Seddon.

Held at The Point, Old Trafford, the Council and its staff were shortlisted in eight categories of the Skills for Business Awards, including “Best of the Best”, Intermediate, Advanced and Higher & Degree Apprentices of the Year and Supporting People into Employment. 

The ‘Large Business of the Year Award’ was presented to Stockport Council for providing “local solutions to national problems” including addressing key areas such as youth unemployment and barriers to education, training and employment.

The Council were particularly commended for their Supported Apprenticeship Scheme which helps young carers, young people with additional needs, looked after children and care leavers to access bespoke apprenticeship opportunities with local employers.

Representing the Council on the night were four current or former Council apprentices, including Higher Apprentice Chloe Needler and Intermediate Apprentice Andy Butler– both of whom demonstrate the outstanding work being done by our apprentices.

Chloe Needler – Higher and Degree Level Apprentice of the Year Finalist

Chloe is currently a Graduate Development Officer within 14-19 Services, after starting her employment at the Council as a Graduate Leadership & Management Apprentice (Higher – Level 5). Chloe was recognised for being a proactive problem-solver, who inspires and encourages those around her.

Chloe was recently featured in an Employee Spotlight following a Credit Where its Due award for her work with the Supported Internship programme. Chloe’s application was supported by her manager, Alison Cresswell (also a finalist), for the significant impact that Chloe’s efforts have had within the Council, “in particular her work supporting our learners with Special Educational Needs” both through the Supported Internship Programme and the flagship Students in Partnership scheme, which Chloe designed and piloted this year to help increase awareness around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and reduce social isolation for those with SEND in schools & colleges.

Andy Butler – Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Finalist

Andy is a graduate of Stockport Council’s Apprenticeship Programme. Andy completed a Level 2 apprenticeship with local business Ceracycloan, after a number of years’ voluntary work there.

Andy was nominated by Rachel Cranfield, 14-19 Co-ordinator who said: “Andy is absolutely a role model. He worked incredibly hard and always put himself forward for extra work and training. He was popular with staff, customers and other users of Ceracycloan. He has a friendly, approachable demeanour, which helps when working with hard to reach young people. Andy makes everyone feel good, works hard and is an excellent advert for apprenticeships.”