Winner – Apprentice of the Year 2015
Astro Apprentice Winner of 2015 ITP Apprentice of The Year
I was first to arrive so headed to the bar at Radisson Blu, Portman Square where we agreed to meet our guests. On the way over I had a surreal conversation with the taxi driver telling me that Radisson Blu wasn’t actually in Portman Square. I asked if he knew where the hotel was and he said he did so I reiterated that I just wanted to be taken there. He then asked me “But why would they do that?” Fortunately the journey ended and so did the ‘Ground Hog Day’ conversation.
“I distinctly remember a conversation between the four us that resulted in James and Joe saying they would be up on stage the following year.”
I couldn’t believe it had been a year since we had last attended the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals Awards Dinner with our apprentices James and Joe. We had been standing at this spot having a beer before we moved upstairs to the main event hall. Back in 2014 I attended the event as I had been a member of the judging panel. I took James and Joe and James’ mentor John to see what it was all about and to give our apprentices a taste of what they could achieve if they applied themselves. We had a really good time listening to talks from the ITP officials and Maggie Philbin and just being in the company of so many enthusiastic and talented young people in the early stages of their career. As we were watching last year’s awards I distinctly remember a conversation between the four us that resulted in James and Joe saying they would be up on stage the following year.
The following year was now here and true to their word James and Joe were going to be on stage as they were both finalists in the ITP Apprentice of the Year 2015 Award in the SME Category. Two of the three apprentices that made the finals in this category.
As our guests assembled in the bar it was a time for meeting old friends for James and Joe. While attending Coventry College they stayed with a host family. I believe the host family play a very important part in the success of the apprenticeship. They provide a supportive environment for young apprentices, some of whom may never have stayed away from home before. We invited the hosts who looked after James and Joe to the awards to see two of their extended family receive recognition for their hard work and dedication. The host family along with James and Joe’s internal mentors and their ITP support network all played an important role in getting our apprentices into the finals.
“I would usually refer to one of my grandsons (eight and five) for tech support at times like this but alas they were nowhere near.”
We moved up to the Champagne Reception and onto the area set up for photos. I am not exactly David Bailey but as I only had what is occasionally described as an ‘fool proof’ camera but I was suffering with a little camera operation trouble. I would usually refer to one of my grandsons for tech support at times like this but alas they were nowhere near.
I had obviously launched a virtual distress flare as from nowhere an arm reached across my shoulder to press a button (that obviously wasn’t there before, otherwise I would have seen it) and magically restored my camera to full function. The arm belonged to one of James and Joe’s apprentice friends. I thanked her for her timely support and told her by way of my defence that I had only owned the camera a year so I was still getting used to it. I was then saved by the bell as dinner was about to be served.
“The judges explained how very difficult the call was to make between the three finalists…”
After dinner there were a few announcements and introductory talks by Lucy Woods the ITP Chairman and Adam Oliver the ITP CEO followed by the awards. The Apprentice of the Year Award for the SME Category was the first award of the evening. Adam called for the sponsor to come to the stage to present the award. The names of the finalists were then called out. Leah Goddard of Azzurri Communications, Joe Wing of Astro Communications, James Tuck of Astro Communications. The envelope was handed over and the wait the suspense on our table was visible.
And then… The winner is… James Tuck of Astro Communications. The judges explained how very difficult the call was to make between the three finalists but James was the overall winner and very much deserved his moment in the spotlight. A brief outline of James’ application was read out to the audience while James buried is head in his hands in disbelief. Just as they had been so supportive of each other throughout their apprenticeship Joe was there to support James now and was the first to congratulate him. James went up to collect his award followed by the other finalists for their group photo.
After the awards ceremony there was live entertainment from an outstanding illusionist – Bob Pound – with some very clever close magic followed by live music from Memphis Boulevard. Memphis Boulevard performed some all time greats from the rock and roll era and even managed to get some of the audience singing with the band.
“A big well done to James and Joe and to all who have given them support and encouragement throughout their apprenticeship.”
It was a fantastic event attended by some industry heavy weights alongside the best of the best of new talent. Stood shoulder to shoulder with some formidable organisations such as BT, Virgin Media, Level3 and Azzuri, Astro were front and centre taking TWO of the of final three spots in our category. Our apprentices had not only represented Astro exceptionally well, they also represented everyone that had supported them on their apprenticeship, including their families, colleagues at Astro, college staff, the ITP staff, host family and others. Another trophy for the Astro cabinet and a huge mark of respect to the effort and focus James has put into his college work and his job – a very worthy winner.
With a business as steeped in legacy as we are it is absolutely fantastic that with the help of the ITP we are managing to develop new talent who’s achievements go on to be recognised at an industry level. A big well done to James and Joe and to all who have given them support and encouragement throughout their apprenticeship.
Useful links…
The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals
Runner up Joe Wing’s blog about the award
Bob Pound Magician