North East Apprenticeship Award Winners!!!
Another couple of trophies in the cabinet as CCF champions of the North were recognised in last night's awards.
The North East Apprenticeship Awards recognise, honour and inspire the vast network of thriving apprenticeships across the North East, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of apprentices, training providers, and businesses committed to supporting apprenticeship programmes.
The 2024 event ran even bigger and better than last year’s, returning to Newcastle United Football Club on July 11th, where over 230 attendees enjoyed an evening of celebration and inspiration.
Coach Core and our sector were nominated for an incredible seven awards stretching across five categories:
Coach Core Foundation – Training Provider/ Programme of the year
Wasim Collins and Arran Brookbanks – Mentor of the Year
Lewis Ritchie – Advanced Apprentice of the Year
Frank Thomas – Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation – SME Employer of the Year
Hat-Trick – SME Employer of the Year.
We were delighted to have been recognised across such a breadth of categories, and to be a finalist in seven is a huge honour. We’re so proud of these participants and supporters who make up our charity and provide these life-changing opportunities.
After a couple of glasses of bubbly, an impressive 3-course dinner and lots of entertainment, we sat down for the awards.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Wasim (Lifetime Training) and Lewis (Hat-trick) both won their categories and took home an award.
Wasim Collins – Mentor of the Year
In his nomination, Waz was referred to as “an absolutely incredible tutor and is truly one of the best teachers”. To date, in the North East Wasim has supported 43 young people, with 77% successfully completing the course. This is 19.3% higher than the national average. He has a very favourable manor when working with coaches from local communities and is able to engage with them very easily due to his laid-back nature and trustworthiness. Another one of his mentees said: “Wasim has had a huge influence on my progression through my organisation Hat-trick and both my apprenticeships, without his support I doubt I would be in the same position I am now”
Lewis Ritchie – Advanced Apprentice of the Year
Despite facing academic hurdles, Lewis obtained distinctions in his apprenticeship qualifications and functional skills in maths and English. His journey serves as a testament to his resilience, tenacity, and willingness to overcome obstacles. His inclusive coaching style, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm and warm personality, has endeared him to young people, creating a supportive and empowering environment for personal growth and development. Lewis’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his apprenticeship responsibilities. He has played a crucial role in managing projects and programmes at Hattrick, utilizing sport as a catalyst for social change. His contributions to his workplace, the community, and the Coach Core program are truly commendable.
“I am absolutely delighted that Coach Core, our apprentices, and our partners have been recognised once again by the North East Apprenticeship Awards, and even more thrilled that Lewis and Waz were named winners in their categories. Being nominated across such a variety of awards is a testimony to the commitment of the Coach Core network’s dedication to the power of sport and physical activity in creating life changing opportunities in under-served areas of society. We are honoured and so proud of everyone who was nominated and recognised."
The programmes in the North East, supported by employers such as National Trust, Newcastle United Foundation and Hat-Trick, have given young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the area new opportunities through sports coaching.
Our apprentices aren’t just being supported in their careers, but people like Lewis are providing opportunities for the community and improving deprived areas. They’re giving hundreds of people the chance to grow in confidence and skills, and stay active. Lewis has overcome so much to be able to do this as well as he does, he very much deserves this award.
The apprenticeship qualification wouldn’t be possible without our training provide, Lifetime Training. The work that our Learning Coaches do goes beyond being a teacher, and they provide emotion support, personal advice and motivation to succeed. That’s why we’re thrilled that someone like Waz is being recognised at awards like these.
Everyone who was a finalist at the awards deserves praise and recognition, because their work within our sector is incredibly impressive. To get 7 finalists out of our programme with a huge achievement. Read about why they were recognised below:
Frank Thomas – Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
Frank Thomas, an exemplary Coach Core apprentice, demonstrates dedication to basketball coaching and community development. From mentoring officials to coaching teams, his growth and achievements shine brightly. Frank’s journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a profound commitment to personal and professional growth.
Arran Brookbanks – Mentor of the Year
Arran’s dedication and passion for mentoring apprentices have had a profound impact on the lives of many individuals. He fosters engaging learning environments and achieves remarkable success rates; 75% of his apprentices successfully transition to a positive exit route and 70% of them completed with distinctions. Arran’s dedication to his mentees extends far beyond the confines of his role, demonstrating a genuine commitment to their success and well-being.
Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation – SME Employer of the Year
Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of apprenticeship opportunities within the North East community. By seamlessly integrating apprenticeships into their overarching strategy, they have become a beacon of support for individuals seeking pathways to employment.
Hat-Trick – SME Employer of the Year.
Hat-trick excels as an SME employer, championing community engagement and inclusivity. Their involvement in the Coach Core program, particularly its apprenticeship initiative, exemplifies its unwavering support for community engagement and talent development. Hat-trick’s exemplary efforts in talent development, inclusivity, and long-term employee engagement make them worthy of recognition.
Coach Core Foundation – Training Provider/ Programme of the year
We were recognised for our unwavering commitment to removing barriers for those who usually experience obstacles to both employment and sports participation. From face-to-face education sessions that foster a sense of community and friendship among the groups, to additional workshops focusing on key topics such as women and girls participation, disability awareness for coaches, and mental health awareness; our demonstration of work in the sector inspired the judges.