Last week was one of the proudest moments of the year for us; EEF Apprentice & Skills Graduation Day. An event which sees EEF tutors, employers, friends and family members come together to recognise and celebrate the achievements made by our talented apprentices.
Held at Aston University’s Great Hall, Graduation Day isn’t just a proud moment for us, but the many talented individuals who attend.
Apprentices received certificates in recognition of their achievements at certain stages of their apprenticeship and for those who had completed their apprenticeship during the last academic year, they were presented with their Apprenticeship framework certificate, but above and beyond that, they leave us with the skills and qualifications that will set them all on the path to great success.
The ceremony also celebrated the achievements of certain apprentices who due to their determination and consistently high standard of workmanship shown throughout the year or years , were awarded with a unique accolade.
William Griffi, who unfortunately couldn’t be with us on the day, from B Masons was named as our Highest Performing BTEC National Certificate Student and Michael Williams of Severn Trent Water Ltd scooped our Overall Final Year Apprentice Award. Michael is also a contender in the Midland’s round of the EEF Manufacturing Awards final Year Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Michael Williams being presented with his award by Peter Winebloom, Director of EEF Apprentices and Skills.
Along with honouring those who were coming to the end of their apprenticeship training, a special accolade was awarded to an apprentice who had just started on their journey.
Ryan Allsopp from Aero Engine Controls scooped the First Year Endeavour Award.
Ryan Allsopp being presented with his award
Nina Cataldo and Harrison Waters, both very talented apprentices from Sandvik Coromant UK, were named as joint winners of EEF’s Overall First Year Apprentice Award and as a result they will have to take it in turns to share the shield in their trophy cabinet!
Nina and Harrison
An extremely exclusive award only given to those who have shown extraordinary progress and development during their first year as an EEF apprentice, a very excited Nina said; “I wasn’t expecting it at all, it really was a shock!”
“I felt so happy and proud when they announced my name, I finally feel like I’m good at something. My mom and dad were also made up, I think my mom even teared up a little bit!”
Whilst our graduates progress on to the next stage of their apprenticeship, we very much look forward to meeting the next generation of manufacturing superstars such as Nina and Harrison.
If you’re interested in the opportunities that an apprenticeship can provide, get in touch with us.
