Super heroes of the care sector recognised at awards ceremony

The next generation of care workers have been recognised at national training provider BB Training Academy’s annual awards ceremony graduation of the 132 apprentices who have recently completed their course.

Learners arrived from cross the UK to the event, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Milton Keynes, with families in tow to celebrate their achievements together. The ceremony had a super hero theme to acknowledge the amazing work and training the apprentices have completed over the last 12 months.

Kamal Hyman, one of the UK’s youngest professional speakers and Spoken Word Artist, gave a lively talk to inform, entertain and inspire the young learners. His aim is to prepare students for the real world, and he explained why he was particularly excited to address the audience at the BB Training Graduation.

He said: “I’m here today to act as a big brother to the students and my aim is to pass on some of the same self-believe that my parents gave to me. Apprenticeships are often overlooked and viewed as being below the standard of degrees, but I believe that apprenticeships provide students with practical experience that prepares them for the real world of work.”

Having a two-year old daughter, Kamal commends the work the childcare apprentices do;

“The subject the students have chosen is close to my heart, having seen first-hand the effect is has on children and their families and how much the care means to them. They have one of the most important jobs in the world and I would like to say to them: keep doing what you’re doing because it has a huge impact on the lives of the children you look after.”

At the event, individual accomplishments were also highlighted, with awards given to those who have demonstrated best practice within their sector. There were ten different categories up for grabs, covering everything from Catering Apprentice of the Year, won by Maria Rowley, to Higher Management Apprentice of the Year, awarded to Hayley Sinclair.

Winner of Management Apprentice of the year, Amy Lee from Battle Abbey School in East Sussex said: “It’s great to be recognised by BB Training Academy for my achievements. It has been a challenging year as I have juggled my studies with my main priority, which has been caring for my daughter while she has been poorly in hospital, but I was determined to complete my management course and I’m proud to say have.

“I’m pleased to say my daughter is now out of hospital and I’m really excited about the plans for the future. It’s a significant time for our nursery at Battle Abbey School, as it is expanding and there are plans for a new purpose-built setting and a brand-new baby unit.

“I’d like to say thank you to BB Training Academy for this award and for the amazing training and support I have received throughout my course.

BB Training Academy CEO, Fay Gibbin, said: “Every year I am so proud of the talent we produce and this year was no exception.

“It’s important to acknowledge everyone’s hard work and I hope everyone is as proud as I am of all their dedication over the last year. Upskilling and developing new talent is fundamental to a businesses success. Young talent provides the next generation of business leaders and I fully believe we have some of the best and the brightest apprentices here at BB Training Academy.”