Our apprentice, Kirsten, scoops national Apprentice of Year award
Thursday, 15 March 2018
Kirsten Moore, a first-year apprentice in our Public Health Stop Smoking Team, has triumphed to become joint-winner of the Public Services People Managers Assocation's Apprentice of the Year 2019 awar
Kirsten, who has been working with us for nine months, entered the national competition to 'take her out of her comfort zone and to push herself'. Those shortlisted were invited to attend a two-day assessment process at the University of Warwick, where Kirsten and 15 others were put through their paces. Tasks included public speaking, timed group challenges and problem-solving with fictitious scenarios (like how to deal with your line manager if you’re about to miss an important deadline).
Kirsten said of her experience: "I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet other apprentices from around the country, all working in public sector and felt privileged to represent Central Bedfordshire Council. As someone who isn’t naturally keen on public speaking and quite shy about meeting new people, I’m really pleased and surprised that my presentation on ‘My personal journey’ about what a ‘good fit’ an apprenticeship has been for me, was so well received. It’s been a great to challenge myself and I’ve a learned a lot."
Councillor Steve Dixon, Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said: "The council is a firm supporter of apprenticeships and we are delighted that Kirsten has been recognised in a national competition, which demonstrates our support and commitment to the programme. It builds on our success in 2016, when another of our apprentices won the competition.
"We really value what our apprentices bring to the council in terms of their skills, fresh ideas and enthusiasm. We have apprentices working in a number of our teams throughout the council with many of them receiving formal learning and training through our own training centre, The Academy.
"I would encourage anyone interested to find out more by emailing apprenticeships@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk, as we’d love to tell you more."