Finalists all set for the Proskills Awards

12 September 2011

The 2011 Proskills Awards Ceremony will be held at Alton Towers on 3 November, highlighting the achievements of employers and apprentices in the process and manufacturing sector. With the announcement of the finalists everything is set for an exciting and entertaining evening, writes Proskills CEO Terry Watts

The 2011 Proskills Awards will be held at Alton Towers on 3 November, both celebrating the achievements of people working in the process and manufacturing sector and also highlighting its wider commercial importance. Proskills has received hundreds of entries from a wide range of employers, learners, apprentices and training providers, demonstrating all that is best about the process and manufacturing sector.

The entries have revealed the dedication, skill and technical knowledge of people working in the sector, as well as the commitment of employers to their staff’s development, qualities which will be showcased at the awards ceremony. The standard of the entries has made judging a difficult task this year, but after extensive debate and discussion we’ve come up with a shortlist of finalists in each of the eight categories.

The finalists are:

Apprentice of the Year: Ryan Black (George Smith Ltd), Phoebe Stockdale (Kall Kwik Brighton & Crawley) and Bryan O’Connor (Midland Property Repairs)

Advanced/Modern Apprentice of the Year: Arron Clegg (Sashes of Distinction), Sam Williams (Johnson Tiles) and Terri-Ann Westerman (UK Coal Mining Ltd)

Achiever of the Year: Mark Dorado (Matrix Fife) and Jason Wylde (Pristeen Windows)

Outstanding Learner of the Year: Claire Louise Jones (DS Smith Packaging), Chris Clowes (Ideal Standard International) and Louise Boyland (Wendy Shorter Interiors Ltd)

Outstanding Employer of the Year: D Hefin Jones (Aggregate Industries), AR Dudley (Johnson Tiles) and Grenville Bramley (Schueco UK Ltd)

SME Employer of the Year: Mark Knight (Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd), Roshni Patel (Everglade Windows Ltd) and Paul Hill (Martin Moore & Co)

Outstanding Training Provider of the Year: Maria Charlton (The Independent Windscreen Academy – IWA), Paul Gray (The Vocational College) and Wendy Shorter (Wendy Shorter Interiors Ltd)

Outstanding Union Learning Representative of the Year: Julia Harrison (James Cropper) and Alan Alcock (Smurfit Kappa)

A common theme among the entries was the desire of companies to invest in the skills of their workforce and find innovative new ways of working that will improve efficiency and productivity. The sector as a whole has shown an openness to change and innovation that is a real asset in the modern commercial climate, where companies need to adapt rapidly to emerging demands.

The wider commercial importance of the process and manufacturing sector makes this a real priority. Over 850,000 people throughout the UK are employed in the sector, producing goods and services on which many companies depend, so improving its efficiency and productivity will have knock-on effects throughout the wider economy.

Comedian Terry Alderton will be presenting the prizes at the event and providing the post-dinner entertainment. Terry once received no less than 15 standing ovations at the Edinburgh festival following his stand-up routine, so an entertaining evening awaits; however, sensitive souls are advised not to sit too near the stage!

The awards ceremony promises to be a hugely enjoyable evening that will highlight the work of both individuals and companies in the process and manufacturing sector, while also offering important networking and sponsorship opportunities.

If you would like to get involved in the Proskills Awards then please get in touch on 01235 833844 or via

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