The achievements of a new generation of London local government apprentices have been celebrated at the 2023 London Borough Apprenticeship Awards. The Awards recognise the exceptional impact of apprentices working across London local government in a range of sectors including finance, housing, regeneration, and waste and recycling.
London Councils, the cross-party group which represents the 32 London boroughs and the City of London Corporation, hosts the awards on behalf of its members. The awards ceremony was held at the Barber Surgeon’s Hall on the 11th September 2023.
London boroughs were also celebrated for their work with contractors and supply chains, which is essential in developing quality apprenticeship opportunities that support apprentices and nurture their skills.
This year marks 13 years since the awards began and celebrates apprentices of all ages and at all stages in their careers. This year’s winners come from a diverse range of backgrounds and have shown that apprenticeships are an option for any person looking to gain new skills and further their careers.
Winners this year include:
- An Afghan refugee who fled the Taliban and made a new life in London, supporting other refugees through his apprenticeship while shining a light on integration and the value of giving back.
- A manager who has become an ambassador for SEND apprenticeships following her own experience in mentoring a SEND apprentice.
- A previous new apprentice award winner who has continued to thrive and inspire all those around her and gone on to win this year’s ‘Best Progression by an Apprentice’ Award.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, Executive Lead for Economy and Skills, said:
“London Councils is incredibly proud to celebrate the winners of the 2023 London Borough Apprenticeship Awards. Apprenticeships enable local government to strengthen the communities they represent by creating local jobs and training opportunities.
“Each year I am blown away by the talent and passion of the nominees and winners from the boroughs, who are motivated to serve the public good and realise their incredible potential. This year we have seen winners from a vast array of backgrounds, demonstrating that apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for anybody looking to increase their skillset and expand their future.
“I encourage Londoners to look into the apprenticeship opportunities that are available across all of London’s boroughs and consider joining us in becoming an impactful and inspirational driver of what makes our city so unique. I also encourage employers across London to consider creating more apprenticeships to fully use the diverse talent that our city has to offer. ”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1) To see all the borough apprenticeship opportunities across London, please visit the London Councils website
2) Full details of the 2023 London Borough Apprenticeships Awards winners are below:
Best Contribution by a New Apprentice Winner – Adam Mohammed (Newham)
Adam's dedication to improving Newham residents' financial wellbeing is evident. He partnered with VCFS organisations, ensuring access to vital assistance through the Household Support Fund. As a project manager, he successfully distributed £200k worth of food vouchers, benefiting over 30,000 residents. Adam's creativity shone through engaging videos and inspiring workshops. His proactive engagement and practical support make him an exceptional apprentice, contributing to the community.
Best Contribution by a New Apprentice - Highly Commended – Marcus Shalaby (Ealing)
Marcus faced challenges but achieved high grades in school. He secured a Level 3 business admin apprenticeship despite being the youngest candidate. Marcus received awards for resilience and contributions. He supports peers, leads projects, improves customer experience, screens candidates, and enhances team efficiency. His dedication strengthens partnerships and he is a valuable asset to the team.
Best Progression by an Apprentice Winner - Asiya Mohamud (Hammersmith & Fulham)
Asiya joined the council as a school leaver, and after her apprenticeship joined the data and resourcing team. She is effective at reducing resourcing expenditure, has become deeply involved in ED&I work in the council, and leads apprenticeship network sessions, regularly engaging and presenting to council staff and residents. She mentors two apprentices.
Best Progression by an Apprentice – Highly Commended – Sharon Collins (Camden)
Sharon, a full-time mother for 19 years, overcame her anxieties and excelled in her apprenticeship as a Legal Administrative Assistant. She swiftly progressed, training as a Registrar and demonstrating a strong ability to absorb knowledge. Sharon's thoughtful attitude, tact, and sensitivity make her valuable in the role. She actively promotes apprenticeships, emphasising their support for returning mothers.
Best Apprentice working in the Supply Chain Winner - Aliandra Nunes da Cruz (Camden)
Aliandra delivers inclusive play and learning opportunities, working as an Advanced Early Years Educator Apprentice at PACE, a charity offering children’s play services and Early Years Education. She always goes the extra mile, proactively leading projects promoting healthy eating and well-being for families, finding memorable, fun methods to convey important information.
Best Apprentice working in a School Winner - Nathan Edwards (Greenwich)
Nathan is a class teacher and PE lead in Greenwich. He devised a novel homework system that accelerated achievement across an entire year group. Through innovative techniques and personalised feedback, students experienced improved confidence and achievement. Nathan's passion for teaching and dedication to making a difference led him to take charge of a school football team. He transformed the team into a formidable force, fostering teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Andy Scott Award for Best Manager or Mentor Winner - Natasha Sutton (Tower Hamlets)
Natasha Sutton is a Personalised Project Manager within the Integrated Commissioning Team in Tower Hamlets and is managing a Special Educational Needs Apprentice. Whilst successfully integrating him into her team, removing barriers and becoming an advocate for all SEND apprentices. Natasha has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure she had the tools to adequately support him.
Best Work with Supply Chains and/or Local Businesses to Create New Apprenticeships Winner - London Borough of Lambeth
Lambeth Council works with local businesses to create apprenticeships for residents facing barriers to employment. Over 220 apprenticeships were achieved through negotiations. The council targets disadvantaged young people with initiatives like the Contractor's Challenge, providing work experience and apprenticeships. Berkeley Homes has been a leading employer partner, offering apprenticeships and collaborating on procurement and social value efforts with the council and local institutions.
Apprentice of the Year Winner – Jawad Ibrahimi (Camden)
Jawad, an Afghan refugee, arrived in the UK in 2021 and found accommodation in a hotel. He secured an administration position and progressed to an Advanced Business Administrator apprenticeship. Despite language barriers, he improved his skills and began helping other refugees. Jawad featured in promotional videos, delivered a moving speech at a Camden Apprenticeships event, highlighting integration and giving back.