Bosses and learners take centre stage at Portsmouth awards night

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A Portsmouth training organisation has honoured businesses who provide apprenticeships to young people seeking work experience and career development.

Portsmouth, 24 April 2009 (PressReleasePoint) Businesses who champion work-based learning have been honoured at an inaugural awards ceremony hosted by Portsmouth training organisation Catch22 South East Training.

The event, held at Fratton Park stadium, highlighted the success of apprenticeships and other training support in child care, business administration, health and social care, and sport and recreation.

Portsmouth Marriott Hotel scooped the top accolade of Apprenticeship Employer of the Year while the Investors in the Community award went to Asda.

Sadie Johnstone, an apprentice at Farlington Day Nursery, won Overall Apprentice of the Year.

Lorna Renouf, Human Resources Manager at Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, said: “It is an absolute privilege to win an award. We are really passionate about getting young people into the hospitality industry and our apprentices make a huge positive difference to our business. In return they gain skills and self-confidence for life.”

The main event sponsor was the Southern Co-operative, whose Chief Executive, Mark Smith, had the joy of presenting the Learner of the Year award to Catherington Co-op store employee Kim Weaver.

Mr Smith said: “As a major employer of young people in our stores we are very clear of the benefits of work-based training and we are delighted to support Catch22. Some of our best managers started in junior sales floor roles and showed real potential to develop from there.”

Other sponsors were ProGuard Central Services Ltd, Proctor and Gamble, Asda and NetC@fe.

Jackie Bampton, Marketing, PR and Community Liaison Manager for the Asda Walmart Supercentre in Havant, said: “Apprenticeships really encourage young people to engage and communicate while making it possible for longer-serving colleagues to pass on their knowledge and skills.”

The achievements of young people aged 16-18 seeking to enter employment, college or apprenticeships on a training programme called SET4 Life were also recognised with awards.

More than 100 people attended the evening which included a performance by the Catch22 South East Training drama group. There was also music from pop, soul and RnB singing duo Jack & Emma.

Chris Wright, Director of Operations of the Catch22 national charity, rounded off the event by thanking sponsors, employers, learners and training staff.

He said: “When it comes to understanding what it is that achieves successful outcomes for young people there is a body of evidence showing that it is the quality of the relationships they have with those they work with. The people of Portsmouth personify that commitment.”