Local apprentice in council’s winning team

A LOCAL woman was recently among a team of Wiltshire Council apprentices who took the crown as south west champions in a drive to encourage businesses to hire apprentices.

Katy Harrington, from Westbury, was one of six employees at Wiltshire Council, who won the South West Apprenticeship Business Challenge 2016, following their presentation on why every UK business should employ an apprentice.

Katy, who is doing a level 2 apprenticeship in business and administration said, “I wasn’t expecting to have the opportunity to do something like the ABC challenge, but it was a great experience and has taught me a lot. I enjoyed the experience thoroughly and have formed new friendships along the way.”

The team had won a previous heat of the challenge and were up against  finalists from Stroud and North Somerset Council.

The teams were judged by three industry leaders; Brian Bingham from the Federation of Small Businesses, James Rider, director of operations at Wessex Water and Phil Smith from Business West.

Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, Wiltshire’s cabinet member responsible for economic development and skills said, “Congratulations to our talented apprentices who showed great teamwork and presented their case so persuasively against a strong field. This is well deserved and I wish them success in their chosen careers.”

The event was organised by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with employers and training providers.