Celebrating the work of apprentices

The annual Apprenticeship Awards, held at the Civic Centre, saw a total of 50 apprentices and their mentors from across both organisations nominated for an award.

Overall winner, and apprentice of the year, was NCC’s Jamie Learmouth, who also won the NCC Values Award, while YHN’s Georgia Grieve was named Shining Star winner.

Tina Drury, Group Managing Director at YHN, was full of praise for the apprentices and their work not just within the organisations but across Newcastle.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, she said: “I’m delighted to be here today, it’s one of those heartwarming events that we do across the city.

“To have 50 nominees is absolutely brilliant. Each and everyone of you contribute to the success of the city council and YHN. I thank you for your commitment and contribution and the value that you bring to both of the organisations.”

Afterwards, Tina added: “It’s been absolutely brilliant [to be here], one of the best events that happens on an annual basis.

“It’s wonderful to see so many apprenticeships happen across the city, they bring such value to the business and organisation. I’m delighted we can bring them these opportunities. It’s an uplifting event.

“Apprenticeships bring so much value to the organisations. There are benefits on both sides. There are benefits to the apprentice, it offers them opportunities, they gain new skills, learn about working in different environments. For us, it brings so much value and diversity to our workforce. They are always full of ideas, full of energy, and their contribution is huge.”

Among the winners from Your Homes Newcastle at the Awards were:

1^st Year Apprentice of the Year:

Winner: Charlie Wealleans (Repairs & Construction)

Runner up: Louis Boyd (Repairs & Construction)

2^nd Year Apprentice of the Year:

Winner: Beth Kelly (Repairs & Construction)

Runner up: Sonny Branighan (Repairs & Construction)

3^rd Year Apprentice of the Year:

Winner: Aidan Smith (Repairs & Construction)

Runner up: Scott Mitchelson (Repairs & Construction)

4^th Year Apprentice of the Year:

Winner: Jean-Paul Goulé (Place, NCC)

Runner up: Sam Scott (Repairs & Construction)

Shining Star Award:

Winner: Georgia Grieve (Your Homes Newcastle)

Outstanding Achievement Award:

Winner: Iryna Orshak (Operations and Regulatory Service)

Runner up: William McDonald (Repairs & Construction)

YHN Values Award:

Winner: Harry Smith-Hampton (Repairs & Construction)

Runner up: Joe Emerson (Repairs & Construction)

Mentor Award:

Winners: Bob Walker and Ken Burn (Repairs & Construction)