Warren Page, Apprentice Manager from Thatcham-based Xtrac Ltd, was honoured with a 'Highly Commended' accolade during the recent South East Regional Apprenticeship Awards 2023, held on 18 October.
Now in their 20th year, the National Apprenticeship Awards showcase the diverse and growing range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships. The awards celebrate employers who fire up their business with apprenticeships, outstanding apprentices, and individuals who champion apprenticeships with passion.
The awards were open to apprentices, individuals who promote apprenticeships and employers of all sizes from all sectors, with entrants asked to demonstrate the impact apprenticeships have made to individual's lives and their workplaces.
Warren was nominated for the prestigious Apprenticeship Champion of the Year Award by long-term apprenticeship partners Newbury College and University Centre Newbury for his unyielding commitment as a leader in both industry and education.
Together with the College, he has spent his professional career ardently working to address the nation’s skills shortages in the sector, regularly promoting apprenticeships at both local and national levels. His outreach and collaborative spirit have enabled him to work closely with education and industry stakeholders alike.
At Xtrac, Warren's ambition to deliver top-notch training and developmental opportunities has birthed the company's Academy Centre. This centre stands as a testament to his dedication, catering to the needs of apprentices and undergraduates while extending outreach programmes to local schools. Xtrac’s apprenticeship programme, under Warren's expert guidance, has not only contributed immensely to the company's overall success but has also enhanced the performance of its employees through a robust training strategy. It's worth noting that this revolutionary training programme has been twice honoured with the Princess Royal Training Award in 2018 and 2021.
The proof of the programme's success is evident in the achievements of the apprentices themselves. Many of these young talents have been celebrated at the Young Professional Awards 2023 and are supported by the illustrious Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers. The standout performances of Xtrac apprentices, continually pushing the boundaries of their potential, are a testament to Warren’s dedication and the consistent support he and company mentors offer.
A former apprentice himself, Warren's enthusiasm for apprenticeships shines brilliantly through the longstanding Xtrac apprenticeship programme and its multiple accolades.
“On the 3rd of September 1973, I started my engineering apprenticeship. The Xtrac model is based on my experience over those six years as an apprentice. To be recognised in this category is a great honour.” Warren wrote on LinkedIn. “Thank you to everyone who has worked with me on this 20-year journey with Xtrac apprenticeships. This includes all of the staff at Xtrac, past and present and our long-term training providers, Newbury College and UCN. It has been a fantastic journey and has had many new chapters along the way.”
Tara Allinson of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) was also recognised with a Highly Commended award in the Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award category, sponsored by BAE Systems. Tara studies her HND Engineering (Electrical/Electronic Engineering) qualification with University Centre Newbury.
Shelly Van Meter, Head of Department UCN and Standards, said: “A steadfast and passionate apprenticeship leader in both industry and education, Warren fully deserves the recognition bestowed by the Apprenticeship Champion Highly Commended Award 2023. We are also delighted that Tara was honoured. It was great to see her receive the Highly Commended award for her category.”
Established in 1948, Newbury College, and more recently University Centre Newbury, have been at the forefront of career-focused education and training in West Berkshire for over 75 years. Apprenticeship programmes are developed in partnership with employers to meet the needs of the local economy, empowering the next generation of professionals to achieve their degree locally and creating opportunities to transform lives. For more information, please visit newbury-college.ac.uk/apprenticeships.