Microsoft has announced the winners of its 2014 Apprentice of the Year Awards during a reception in the House of Commons.
Among the winners were London-based technology service provider Optimity who took home Apprentice Employer of the Year from a Medium Sized Employer.
The event, hosted by Andrew Jones MP, recognised and celebrated “the tremendous commitment of employers and their apprentices, who have developed their skills during tough economic times”.
Vital contribution to the economy
The winning employers and apprentices were presented with their awards by Nadhim Zahawi MP, Member of the No 10 Policy Board with special responsibility for business and the economy.
Zahawi commented:
Apprenticeships make a vital contribution to the economy and help equip young people with the right skills to succeed in their future careers.
Important reforms are improving the apprenticeship system in the UK – making qualifications more rigorous, increasing funding for programmes, and establishing employer-led initiatives.
The winners
The 2014 Microsoft Apprentice of the Year Awards winning employers were:
- Small Employer of the Year – Cloudamour in Hertfordshire
- Medium Employer of the Year – Optimity in London
- Large Employer of the Year – Cisco Systems in Reading.
- Overall winner – Cloudamour
The 2014 Microsoft Apprentice of the Year Awards winning Apprentices were:
- Apprentice in a small employer – Alexander Small from Penman IT in London
- Apprentice in a medium employer – Kimberley Bolton from Pythagoras in Maidenhead
- Apprentice in a large employer –Thomas Herring from KCOM in Hull
- Overall winner: Alexander Small from Penman IT