“It’s an honour to judge the awards again as it’s imperative we shine a light on the great things happening around apprenticeships in our region”.

“As a former apprentice myself, I love getting involved in supporting apprenticeships in the region. I love reading the awards applications while judging and hearing the amazing things people have been up to”.

'I like being part of the Awards as I have an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding Apprentices and their employers who have supported them on their journey in Bristol and Bath.'

I started my career as an Apprentice with Wessex Water as a budding young engineer, It gives me great honour to give other aspiring apprentices the opportunity to be rewarded for their commitment and effort in their apprenticeships.

This type of training and learning is so rewarding for the individual and our business, harnessing great talent and giving them the ability to apply their passion within their discipline, it also allows our teams to pass on knowledge from generation to generation something only possible with the apprenticeship program.

I’m delighted to have been asked to participate as a member of the judging panel and to celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices. The awards recognise their resilience and dedication, and also shine a spotlight on those employers, providers and individuals who champion apprenticeships.

During my years within Hospitality I have always felt that getting feedback is valuable, this comes in many forms from work products, to competitions or awards, to a simple pat on the back. As an active Chef in Industry I have always got the best from my team with positive feedback, in the College as Lead Hospitality I am always getting more from my Apprentices with positive feedback, I have been a medal winner at the World Culinary Olympics so gaining that was fantastic (positive feedback).

Been involved as a Judge in the BristolLive & BathLive Apprenticeship Awards is providing feedback to deserving Apprentices so they can feel that same feeling for been recognised. Not just motivating the Apprentices but their Companies as well.

I always look forward to reading the nominations from apprentices and employers in our region who are always so passionate about apprenticeships and telling their journey to success, it is really inspiring and the reason why we all come together to celebrate.