Sandwell Council apprentice Elliot McKenzie who completed an apprenticeship as an Education Development Officer at the Virtual School at Sandwell has been named as the regional winner of in the ’Advanced Apprentice of the year’ category at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2022

Elliot will now go on to represent the West Midlands at the National Awards at the end of November.

In addition, Sandwell Council was named as winner of the large employer of the year category at the inaugural Ladder for the Black Country
Apprenticeship Awards on Thursday 3 November at Grand Station, Wolverhampton.

Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said:

“It’s great that the hard work of both individuals and the council as whole is being recognised in this way. Apprenticeships are a vital tool in upskilling our residents to be able to secure better-paid, more fulfilling jobs and attracting inward business investment to the area.

“The very best of luck to Elliot at the final later this month!”

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children and education, added:

“This is a great example of how education and apprenticeships in particular can make a real change to young people’s life chances. In Sandwell, we believe that every child and young person should benefit from the best education possible.
“Apprenticeships not only give practical work experience, they also allow young people to learn and earn at the same time. We are committed to offering apprenticeship opportunities to our young people to give them the best start to their working lives.”