Press and Media
Apprentice Ashley wins awards accolade
Ashley was selected from over 250 nominees to win the CoLaS Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies category sponsored by Yorkshire Forward. Addy, who started the Advanced Apprenticeship in Manufacturing Textiles in 2005, was recognised for his exceptional achievements and for completing his training framework in just 19 months.
TV presenter Fearne Cotton, who earlier in the year rubbed shoulders with the stars on the red carpet of the Oscars in LA, was at The Harrogate International Centre to announce the CoLaS winners She said:
“Awards ceremonies such as the Celebration of Learning and Skills Awards are an important way to recognise the importance of learning and skills in all of our lives. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the CoLaS 2008 and especially witnessing the inspirational success stories of individuals’ and employers’ learning and skills achievements - many in the face of adversity.”
As part of his Apprenticeship, Ashley has successfully undertaken comprehensive laboratory training and is developing his career with Interface FLOR by taking an active role in Quality Assurance. His current role also includes work with the process and materials research department where he is responsible for the testing of existing products, new product developments and trials. He also liaises with different departments such as the technical department to obtain samples, carry out tests, obtain findings and send reports to managers.
Ashley has been commended by his employers for his very professional attitude and ability to act under his own initiative and plan his time effectively. At any given time, up to ten projects can be running simultaneously and without Ashley’s thorough planning it would be very easy to have gaps in testing, or to have test apparatus standing idle and delaying time-sensitive projects. Ashley has developed into an experienced and valued member of Interface FLOR and is sure to have a bright future.
Paul Jackson, Interface FLOR and nominator said:
“Ashley completely deserved to win as he was totally thrown in the deep end when he came to us and coped admirably with work, training and issues in his personal life. Whatever is thrown at him he simply gets on with it and he’s been one of the best apprentices I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It’s really fantastic that he’s been recognised with a CoLaS Award.
Paul continued:
“Ashley is a highly respected member of our organisation - I put him forward for the award because of his work ethic and sheer determination. I’m sure he’ll secure a senior role in product development in the future.”
Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency has pledged its support for the CoLaS with sponsorship of the Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Award. It supports and develops businesses in the region by encouraging financial investment and investment in skills.
Ashley and the CoLaS winners were joined on the red carpet by CoLaS event sponsors Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Authority, Digital 2010, Yorkshire and Humberside Assessment Limited, Community Training Services, R and B Group, Oracle Training Consultants and the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Skills Partnership and VIPs Wynford Dore, Scott Quinell and Steve Black. Over 1000 of the region’s business leaders, employers and education representatives also attended Yorkshire and the Humber’s equivalent to the learning and skills ‘Oscars’ to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the region’s top employers and individuals.
