Badger Blog

To celebrate its launch, East Cheshire Business School has hosted its inaugural Learner of the Year and Apprentice of the Year Awards, handing the titles to outstanding candidates from local businesses at a prestigious ceremony, hosted by Ruth Badger.

The event, held at the business school's impressive Silk Room Restaurant, was attended by over a hundred high-profile Cheshire and Manchester business people, who came to see their nominees pick up accolades across eleven categories, ranging from Customer Service to Health and Social Care.

Ashlea Davenport of Kingston Smith/Resources for Associations scooped the Customer Service Apprentice of the Year award, whilst Therese McArdle of KAT UK won the Customer Service Learner of the Year category. Julia Jones of Home Instead Senior Care netted the Health and Social Care learner award and Jan Labanc of Winnie Care won the Health and Social Care Apprenticeship award. Ros Siddall of Tullis Russell Coaters, won the HR and Personnel category; Rosalyn Barlow of People Pay and Pensions Agency won the Business and Administration category. From Elior UK, Andrew Stubbs won the Accounting category and Matt Critchlow the Payroll Apprenticeship category; Stephen Lawlor of IAS B2B Marketing netted the Graphics and Digital Media category; Matthew McGrath of EDM won the IT category; Linda Downes from St Paul's Primary School in Poynton won the 'Early Years' category.

Working in association with businesses to identify and address employee skills gaps, via a free training needs analysis service, East Cheshire Business School devises and delivers both certified programmes and bespoke training solutions suited to the specific requirements of each individual organisation. Since the recession hit, business modules have, if anything, increased in popularity as companies realise the vital importance of standing out from the competition with a highly trained and polished work force.

Launched as a result of the huge success of the training arm of Macclesfield College, the business school is affiliated to Manchester Metropolitan University and is a Learning Zone partner, sharing facilities that have recently undergone a £38 million overhaul.

Ruth Badger, who shot to fame in series two of the BBC's hit show "The Apprentice" and now heads three businesses of her own, presented the awards. Renowned for her straight talking approach, Ruth said of East Cheshire Business School:

''The facilities are state-of-the art, brand spanking new, fresh and airy - a great learning environment. I'm impressed by the high quality training that's relevant and spot-on for helping individuals and businesses gain the competitive edge in today's economic climate.

''Companies can't afford not to train their staff - it's only through accomplished and polished service delivered by a team that lives the company values that they can stand out from the crowd.''

Talking about the prize winners, Ruth commented: ''It's great to recognise success that is down to hard graft and sheer determination. These people, who've excelled in their training at East Cheshire Business School, deserve the acclaim. Putting in the extra time and effort to propel your career takes commitment and this grit that will pay off.'

''Apprenticeships and learning on the job are invaluable - I left school at 16 with three GCSEs, and although I've reached the top it has been a steep climb to success. Some work-based training that related back to the real-world work I was doing at the time would definitely have eased my ascent.''

Liz Gorb, Head of East Cheshire Business School, commented: ''The awards event was an unprecedented success, with a fantastic turnout. Competition was fierce, with some extremely talented nominees. There was a real sense of energy and achievement: the awards scheme recognised and celebrated the learners' hard work and development. We're looking forward to seeing their careers continuing to flourish, and the continued success of their companies, which will benefit from a loyal and highly trained workforce.''