Local training provider Gen2 has been celebrating the achievements of their learners and staff recently as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Due to the current national lockdown, the training company has been hosting a range of virtual events including their first online awards ceremony.
Celebrations have included three virtual open evenings with Cumbrian employers who are recruiting through Gen2 this year and two ‘meet the learner sessions’.
One session involved current Gen2 apprentices, employed Sellafield Ltd, who shared their experiences of studying during lockdown and the second was a session to meet former apprentices that have gone on to have amazing careers.
The main event of the week was an online awards ceremony which was hosted by City & Guilds chief executive, Kirstie Donnelly.
Over 350 employers, staff and learners joined in the celebrations with special awards presented by Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, Mark Jenkinson, MP for Workington, Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness and Dr Donna Connor, head of education and skills at Sellafield Ltd.
Sixteen awards were presented ranging from The Best Image to Sum up 2020 to the Learner of the Year.
Amanda Towers, general manager at Gen2, said “This year marks our 14th anniversary of celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and although very different than normal we wanted to still use the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our learners – with this year’s theme being Build the Future.
“National Apprenticeship Week is extremely important to Gen2 as it provides a great opportunity to bring together our learners, staff and employers and celebrate their skills and achievements.
“The awards presented are testament to their hard work and dedication.
“All this would not be possible, however, without the continued support and investment in skills by our employers.
“Employer investment, especially during these difficult times, will ensure we continue to have a highly qualified and skilled workforce in the local area for years to come.
Gen2 is dedicated to training development and investment in skills.
“We are continuing to grow as an organisation and we are keen for people to join and grow with us.
“We have a number of staff vacancies including trainer vacancies aimed at those who have the industry experience but need support from ourselves to develop their teaching skills.”
