High-flying RAF apprentices were honoured today at the annual Apprentice of the Year Awards Ceremony.
Joined by their proud families at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, the 11 award recipients had time to reflect of what they have achieved and look ahead to a bright future in specialist trades ranging from engineering to firefighting, human resources and cyberspace communications.
"We are proud of all our apprentices. Those receiving awards today have been recognised by both their instructors and colleagues for going that extra bit further."
Air Vice-Marshal Warren James
Air Officer Commanding 22 Group
Presenting the awards, the RAF’s head of training Air Vice-Marshal Warren James said: "For 99 years, apprentices have formed the backbone of the RAF. They are as important to the RAF today as they were in 1920. Some have already served on operational deployments overseas including the Falkland Islands and a major aircraft exercise in the USA. All will now have the opportunity to build on their training as they move on and play a key role in the RAF of today."
"It has been a hard but rewarding 12 months. The graduation was great but today is something else."
SAC Niraj Gurung
Apprentice Award Winner
SAC Niraj Gurung, originally from Ipswich, received the Apprentice of the Year award in the Communications and Ground Engineering category.
Niraj is a member of the Cyber Protection Team at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. He is also a member of the STEM team using his skills and knowledge to engage and inspire the next generation.
“Joining the RAF as an Apprentice can seem quite daunting, but when you are in it is great. I would recommend it” he added.
"The RAF is one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers"
Alan Moss
Head of RAF Apprentices
Alan Moss, Head of Apprentices for the RAF, said: “The RAF is one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers. Innovative apprenticeship training is delivered ‘in-house’ at 17 schools followed by workplace experience at operating and support units in the UK and overseas. With a guaranteed job on completion, our apprentices also enjoy the financial and social benefits of being full-time members of the RAF.
We are delighted that Ofsted have graded us ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.”
“My parents are very proud of me”
SAC Megan Hubbard
Highly Commended Apprentice Award Winner
SAC Megan Hubbard, originally from Wisbech, is currently on her first tour with the General Engineering Flight at RAF Lossiemouth. She is responsible for carrying out preventative maintenance and in-depth rectification work on an extensive range of airfield support vehicles and equipment.
SAC Hubbard said: “l love being in Scotland but hope my service in the RAF takes me around the world. Cyprus would be a good start.”
The RAF were recognised in 2018 as being the UK’s best large employer for apprenticeships.
Air Vice-Marshal James added: “We currently have 2,700 apprentices enrolled on 21 different skills and trades, and a completion rate in excess of 98%. All can look forward to a long, exciting and rewarding career with the RAF and beyond.”
Also read: The RAF National Apprenticeship Awards