Two awards for Tower Hamlets at the London Council’s Apprenticeships awards

Two Tower Hamlets apprentices received accolades at the London Council’s Apprenticeship awards ceremony at the Saddlers’ Hall in the City.

Paul Sammut- who works in the council‘s Parks and Open Spaces department was awarded the best manager or mentor award for his work developing new staff in the council’s parks service.

Paul has supported a number of apprentices who have found work with him via the Council‘s WorkPath programme.  He has provided structured, stretching and engaging work programmes.  As importantly, Paul has sensitively managed and mentored the apprentices under his care, including those with complex needs, and has inspired and motivated them to complete their qualifications and progress in their chosen careers.

Paul said: “It’s a great honour to receive the award. I love my job and bringing forward apprentices and seeing them develop with me is a great part of it. I appreciate what apprentices can do and it’s fantastic that this award recognises the work we have done in the council to progress them.”

Sarah Chipperfield,who works at the construction company Willmott Dixon planning team, on numerous construction projects across the Borough won the inaugural Best Apprentice Working in the Supply Chain Award.  Sarah is a single parent and has shown amazing commitment by progressing from a paid work experience placement through to completion of her Level 2 Apprenticeship and then securing full time employment with Wilmott Dixon.  She plans to continue her training and to seek more senior roles.

Mayor John Biggs said :“I’m delighted to see Tower Hamlets recognised by London Council’s Apprenticeship awards, and congratulate the two award winners.

Our WorkPath programme has linked up employers with our residents to provide a gold standard of apprenticeships and I’ve pledged to deliver 1,000 new apprenticeships in the borough by 2020, as these are key to unlocking people’s potential”.

Cllr Motin Uz-Zaman, Cabinet Member Work & Economic Growth said: “We are committed to helping people take that first step into work or progress their career through the support of our WorkPath scheme.

It’s great that our innovative apprenticeships are being recognised and I hope it encourages even more people and employers in the borough to take up these opportunities”.