Inspirational Shearline wins a National Apprenticeship Service award
Shearline has won Best Medium Employer in the annual Apprentice Awards organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). The award recognises the commitment of employers who believe that apprentices are valuable in creating a bespoke, enthusiastic and skilled workforce.
In selecting the employer winners, the judges looked for companies who could clearly show the benefits they had gained through training their workforce via Apprenticeships, and organisations which had the potential to act as a role model for other employers.
Jon Nay, Regional Apprenticeship Director of the National Apprenticeship Service in the East of England, said: “The finalists at this year’s awards were all truly inspiring and the worthy winners were delighted with their awards. The stories of those who won, and those highly commended, really show the value that Apprenticeships bring. I’d particularly like to thank the companies presented with awards. Without employers like these, there would be no Apprenticeships. These organisations set the standard for their respective industries, leading the way toward the world class workface our region aspires to.”
On winning the award, Wayne Harrison from Shearline said: “We started employing apprentices 16 years ago. The skills they acquire over the years vary, from technical skills to communication to working as part of a big team. As a business we thrive on the Apprenticeships, its part of our passion and helps us drive forward.
Shearline offers Engineering and Technology Apprenticeships and currently employs four apprentices. Shearline believes that Apprenticeships lead to a better fit between staff and the jobs they are asked to do leading to better staff retention.
In selecting the apprentice winners, the judges looked for apprentices that had made a real difference to the business by exceeding expectations and delivering measurable benefits.
Ray Stubbs, ESPN sports presenter and former professional footballer, is passionate about championing the benefits of learning new skills, said: “It’s been a real pleasure to host the Apprenticeship awards. Tonight we heard from employers and individuals who have firsthand experience of the benefits of Apprenticeships across the region and I’d like to say well done to all the winners and those who were highly commended.”
The regional winners from the East of England will automatically go forward to the national awards judging process. The national winners will be announced at an Oscar-style ceremony in London on Thursday 15 July.
Photo: Wayne Harrison from Shearline Precision Engineering presented with the Medium Employer of the Year award by Paul Butler from the National Apprenticeship Service
