What better way to end National Apprenticeship Week

It’s been a fantastic week of sharing apprenticeships inspiration across our social networks Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram and we’re delighted to cap it all off with the announcement that we have been announced as finalists in the Specialist Training Provider of the Year Award at the national Apprenticeship and Training Awards.

Rhys Robinson, Director of Learning – Engineering, Digital and Services to Business, attended a special reception hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, this week. The celebrations will continue with the National Ceremony, taking place during the Apprenticeships and Training Conference 2025 on Tuesday, 11 March.

These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in apprenticeships and training, recognising the individuals, employers, and providers who have made an outstanding impact in the sector. The finalists represent the very best in innovation, dedication, and achievement, showcasing the power of apprenticeships and training to transform lives and drive success. We’re incredibly proud of the work our teams do both as part of the work which informed this award nomination but really, the work they do every day and wish them all the best at the awards ceremony!

Nominated for our work with Chesterfield Royal Hospital to provide support with Maths and Digital growth for their teams, we have built a collaborative programme specifically upskilling the use of Microsoft Excel.

Following the results of the last National NHS Staff Survey, Chesterfield Royal Hospital heard that some colleagues within their admin and clerical workforce would appreciate more support in the field of Maths and Digital skills. To lead this work, admin colleagues from across different roles in the organisation came together and formed a working group called Admin Matters.

Colleagues wanted more opportunities to develop their skills using Microsoft applications – with Excel being the key one that a lot of people felt had more capability to support their job role.

Aidan Page, Apprenticeship Co-ordinator at Chesterfield Royal Hospital expressed that, “Having the opportunity to develop this course with Chesterfield College has provided colleagues with an opportunity to upskill, save time and collaborate with those around them”. Just under 40 members of staff received a real confidence boost from the college programme, helping them in their everyday work.

In addition to these specific skills, our nomination also referenced our development of opportunities for those on Services to Business related apprenticeships in order to help progression into more senior roles.

‘Aspiring Leaders’ is a 6 week programme to give those who attend the opportunity to develop and increase their knowledge and understanding around the role of a Team Leader. By completing the course, students will be awarded with a Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading. Thus, opening doors into our Team Leader apprenticeship and further down the line, the Operations Manager. Apprentices who have completed a Business Administrator Apprenticeship with us, are now choosing to enrol onto the Aspiring Leaders programme as a stepping stone to becoming a Team Leader.