Recognition for outstanding contribution to apprenticeships

THE special contribution of a woman who spends every day of her working life as a champion of apprenticeships has been recognised.

Sue Husband, the Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, has been celebrated at a national event to promote apprenticeships, especially amongst the British Asian Community.

She has been given an award for her Special Contribution to Apprenticeships at the second Asian Apprenticeship Awards at Edgbaston Stadium.

Sue spent her early career with the McDonald’s restaurant chain.

Joining as a 16-year-old crew member, she demonstrated how learning on the job can lead to major promotions.

By the time she left McDonald’s in April 2014, Sue had risen to be Head of Education in the UK having previously held roles in operations and communications and training, working both with company owned and franchised restaurants.

At the core of her role with the National Apprenticeship Service is working with employers to increase the number of apprenticeship training places that are available.

She also works with colleges and apprenticeship training providers to ensure that the training given is of both high quality and relevant to the needs of both employers and apprentices.

The National Apprenticeship Service is also closely involved with helping the Government to achieve the target of having three million apprentices by 2020.

Sue is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and holds a doctorate from Aston University.

The National Apprenticeship Service is part of the Skills Funding Agency, an executive agency of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and.

It is responsible for almost £4 billion of funding each year for skills training.

She is also responsible for the National Careers Service that provides professional and impartial advice to young people and adults.

“When it comes to shaping the apprenticeship agenda at a national level and with Government there is probably no one more important than Sue,” said Safaraz Ali, Managing Director of The Pathway Group and founder of the Asian Apprenticeship Awards.

“She has a passion for apprenticeships and provides inspiration to young people, employers and training providers.”