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RAF flies high in National Apprenticeship awards

The Royal Air Force was flying high at the finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Central London where it was named as the winner of the in the Macro Employer category (5000+ employees). It was also included in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers List.

The awards, now in their 14th year, are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise employers who grow their own talent through apprenticeships and also apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

 

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said “Apprenticeships are for everyone and I thank every employer and apprentice celebrated for their passion for, and commitment to, apprenticeships. This year’s winners are all shining examples of how apprenticeships develop outstanding talent whilst enhancing the incredible work of employers.”

 

The Royal Air Force, which is celebrating its Centenary, has a proud tradition of apprenticeship training dating back to its creation. Fully committed to its apprenticeships programme, it offers apprenticeships to the vast majority of its airmen recruits; 21 Frameworks are delivered across 14 Ground Training Schools. With over 2850 apprentices on the programme at any one time, it is one of the largest providers in the country. Following its last inspection, the Royal Air Force’s Apprenticeships scheme was awarded the grade of ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The award was accepted on behalf of the Service by Air Vice Marshal Warren James who was accompanied to the stage by two recently qualified apprentices: Senior Aircraftwoman Lauren Guidi, a Medical Support Specialist from Royal Air Force Odiham, and Leading Aircraftman Andrew Fuller a Cyberspace Communication Specialist from Royal Air Force Neatishead.

 

Air Vice Marshal James said:

“The Royal Air Force is delighted to have won the Macro Employer category at the National Apprenticeship Awards.

“National recognition for excellence in training and developing our people, alongside an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ for our apprenticeship programme, is a humbling accolade.

 

In our centenary year, the world’s oldest independent Air Force is proud to be providing the next generation of trainees with world-class skills opportunities. This

spans a wide variety of trades, to normal people from a multitude of diverse backgrounds. We upskill, re-skill, accredit, reward and value our people. Improving social mobility and contributing, internationally to the UK’s reputation and prosperity. In 2018, this is who we are and the opportunity we represent.”

Information about the Royal Air Force Apprenticeships scheme may be found at recruitment.raf.mod.uk/apprenticeships  

The accompanying photograph shows Air Vice Marshal Warren James with Senior Aircraftwoman Guidi and Leading Aircraftman Fuller receiving the Macro Employer award from David Willett of the Open University and Sue Husband Director of the National Apprenticeship Service.