THE COMMITMENT and hard work of local apprentices will be celebrated at a special graduation ceremony.

The East Sussex Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, November 16 will celebrate the county’s apprentices of all ages and levels, across all sectors.

Apprentices who live or work in the local authority area of East Sussex and who have achieved their apprenticeship between 1 October 2022 and 1 November 2023 are invited to attend and graduate.

The event is organised by the Sussex Council of Training Providers with support from strategic partner and sponsor East Sussex County Council, headline sponsor the University of Brighton, and sponsors the East Sussex College Group, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, and Apprenticeships in Sussex.

Cllr Bob Standley, lead member for education and inclusion and special educational needs at East Sussex County Council, will be attending the event and presenting an award. Cllr Standley said: “I am really looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our apprentices at the graduation ceremony in November.

“The evening also gives us the opportunity to highlight the key role that local businesses and education partners play in the successful apprenticeship programme in East Sussex, and I would like to thank them for their continued support.”

Nominations are currently being invited for four special awards, which will be presented at the graduation ceremony, to celebrate the outstanding achievements of all those involved in the apprenticeship journey. The awards are:

• Overall Contribution to the Business Award: celebrating the outstanding contribution an East Sussex apprentice has made to their workplace during their apprenticeship. Nominations can be made by employers only.
• Amazing Colleague/Apprenticeship Employer Award: celebrating the contribution of employees who have either championed apprenticeships within their organisation or have offered exceptional support to apprentices. Nominations can be made by apprentices, providers, employers and employees.
• Best Progression Award: recognising the exceptional determination and efforts of an apprentice in the achievement of their apprenticeship through challenging times. Nominations can be made by training providers and employers.
• Tutor/Trainer of the Year Award: celebrating the contribution of a tutor or trainer who has gone above and beyond to support an apprentice(s) during their apprenticeship. Nominations can be made by apprentices and employers.

Anyone who wishes to make a nomination should email ESapprenticeships@sctp.org.uk to request a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday, October 20, 2023.

The East Sussex Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony 2023 will be held at The Welcome Building, Compton Street, Eastbourne on Thursday, November 16 between 6pm and 8pm. Eligible apprentices are asked to register to attend by Tuesday, October 31 by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-sussex-apprenticeship-graduation-ceremony-2023-registration-695951398367.

Friends and family are also welcome to attend. Tickets are free of charge.

Cllr Standley continued: “I encourage all our apprentices to join us to graduate with their peers in November and to bring their friends, family and work colleagues along to enjoy a night to remember as we celebrate their achievements.”