Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is shortlisted at the prestigious Personnel Today Awards 2021 in recognition of the success of its Apprenticeship Scheme.
Now in its 23rd year, the Personnel Today Awards programme celebrates the exceptional achievements of Human Resources and Learning and Development teams across the UK’s public and private sectors, rewarding exceptional organisations that put their people at the heart of what they do.
After careful deliberations by the judges over which entries would make the 2021 shortlist after what proved to be a tumultuous year for HR, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has been included in the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category.
Councillor Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Deputy Leader, said: “I am delighted that the Council’s outstanding Apprenticeship Scheme is getting national recognition by being shortlisted at these awards.
“Having already enjoyed great success earlier this year at the Apprenticeship Awards Cyrmu 2021, I am hopeful this success will be emulated at the Personnel Today Awards.
“The Council’s Apprenticeship and Graduate Schemes have been extremely successful over many years, helping hundreds of people gain the important skills and experience needed to fulfil their career ambitions.”
In total, there are 24 awards categories in this year’s Personnel Today Awards, including the new People and Purpose Award, which recognises organisations that put meaning and purposeful work at the centre of their strategy. It is hoped a special awards ceremony will be held in London later this year.
There are also awards to celebrate outstanding work in diversity and inclusion, employee benefits, health and wellbeing, talent management and learning and development, as well as awards that recognise exceptional work delivered by suppliers.
Rob Moss, editor of Personnel Today, said: “The past year has been a huge challenge for HR and we’ve been overwhelmed by the sense of creativity and resilience that we’ve seen in this year’s entries.
“A huge congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted and we look forward to celebrating your hard work and innovation in November.”
The Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme has been running since September 2012. During that time, the Council has employed over 300 Apprentices, working in many different service areas.
In November 2018, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council won the Employer of the Year award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru for its outstanding Apprenticeship programme, winning again in 2021.
At this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, three Rhondda Cynon Taf Council apprentices were shortlisted for awards, with the local authority also being crowned Macro Employer of the Year.
It was the second time that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has been awarded Macro Employer of the Year at Apprenticeship Awards Cymru. The Council was praised for the way that Apprentices were supported during the coronavirus pandemic to continue their studies, and also how Apprentices were deployed to support essential community services, such as working with the NHS on coronavirus shielding data and distributing food parcels.
Apprentice Sophie Williams, of Hirwaun, won the Tomorrow’s Talent Award, and Bethany Mason, of Llantrisant, was named as the Foundation Apprentice of the Year. Owen Lloyd was also a finalist at the awards for Apprentice of the Year.
The Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme is open to anyone from the age of 16, with no upper age limit. During apprenticeships, individuals work alongside experienced colleagues, gaining job-specific knowledge and skills. It is a mix of ‘on-the-job’ training with classroom learning, providing people with the skills needed for a chosen career path which will also lead to nationally recognised qualifications.
Find out more about Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme
Posted on 30/07/2021