Award win boosts retail Apprenticeships

A retail apprenticeís victory in a national award last night will provide a huge boost for Apprenticeships in the sector, Skillsmart Retail has said.

Paul Boulton, 24, a store manager at Barnadoís, took victory in the Advanced Apprentice category of the national Apprenticeship Awards in London after sending sales rocketing by 70 per cent in his charity store.

His award comes amid a rapid growth of the programme in the retail sector with an extra 1,400 people starting an Apprenticeship in last 12 months alone.

Anne Seaman, CEO of Skillsmart Retail said: ìI would like to congratulate Paul on winning this award. It is a fantastic personal achievement. His success also highlights that Apprenticeships are not confined to traditional industry areas and that they are now experiencing success in sectors not usually associated with the programme - they are particularly successful in the fast-moving retail sector.

ìThe fact that Paul works in a charity shop also shows how seriously all areas of retail are taking Retail Apprenticeships. We are working closely with the Association of Charity Shops as well as other trade associations to ensure that they understand the full business benefits of Retail Apprenticeships and skills development throughout the sector.

ìExperience shows that Retail Apprentices have a very bright future in retail and I know that Paulís success is a good sign of his future potential.î

During his time as manager, Paul has rapidly grown his team of volunteers as well as employing three full-time staff. The challenge of management is comparable to a much larger retail operation but Paul has not only managed the task; he has excelled. Paul explains:

ìI really enjoy my work. We have an excellent team of 53 volunteers who are like a second family. Iíve ensured that the confidence and morale of each of our volunteers has greatly increased,î said Paul. ìThey feel effective members of the workforce and Iíve encouraged the majority to embark on their own work-based training qualifications. Many volunteers have moved into employment.î

Lorna Forrest, Area Business Manager at Barnardoís, said: ìPaul is successful because he believes in people. He believes in the worth of every individual and recognises the potential this has to offer for the business. That is why Paul has achieved very challenging targets over recent years.î

Now in their sixth year, the national Apprenticeship Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the key role they play in todayís world. This yearís Awards feature the winners of nine regional heats, guaranteeing an exciting mix of apprentices and employers vying to be named either Apprentice or Employer of the Year at the glittering ceremony on 16 July at Old Billingsgate, Central London.

Simon Waugh, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said that the Awards were a fitting recognition of apprenticeís achievements and it was encouraging to see employers committed to Apprenticeship training:

ìApprenticeships are vital to business in todayís challenging times - particularly as we prepare for the upturn.

ìWe need a skilled workforce. We need employees that are motivated and fully engaged in what they do so they can build skills to fulfil their potential. Many thousands of employers across the country recognise this and are actively investing in their people every day. The Apprenticeship Awards celebrate ìwinning by doingî, both for apprentices and employers who employ apprentices,î he said.

Awards presenter and former three-time Lions team player Matt Dawson said:

ìItís a real honour to be involved in this yearís national Apprenticeship Awards. It has been truly inspiring. I believe Apprenticeships are tremendously important to Britainís future. They unlock talent and provide a viable, alternative route for individuals to pursue a career and gain personal and professional satisfaction.

ìNo one knows more than me just how important training is to help you bring your A-game to the pitch. These winners have shown that they are not only true team players but they really are at the top of their game in their respective areas.î

This yearís Apprenticeship Awards attracted 1,058 entries, representing individuals and companies from all over England vying to win one of three Apprentice of the Year or one of five Employer of the Year Awards at yesterdayís ceremony [16 July].

Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Kevin Brennan said:

ìApprentices are playing a crucial role in ensuring Britain overcomes the challenging times ahead. Thatís why this Government will fund Apprenticeship places for one in five young people by 2020 and make more places available; real help, where our country needs it most.

ìThese Awards have proved that apprentices are ëdoersí who make things happen, which is why Apprenticeships remain a key component of the Governmentís economic and employment strategy. Better skills provide measureable benefits to people across the country and Apprenticeships are vital to give the competitive edge we need to thrive in the global economy.

For more information on Apprenticeships or this yearís Awards, visit apprenticeships.org.uk/awards or call 08000 150 600.