Bagnalls ‘Highly Commended’ At National Apprenticeship & Skills Awards

Quality national decorating contractor Bagnalls has again been ‘Highly Commended’ for its apprenticeship schemes for the second successive year at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024. The UK-wide company succeeded in the Large Employer category, within the Yorkshire and Humber regional heats.

Stephen Bagnall, Group Managing Director of Bagnalls, said: “It’s a wonderful honour to receive the ‘Highly Commended’ title for the second year running. We’re extremely proud of the work we do at Bagnalls to support our apprentices and furnish them with the skills required to succeed in their chosen careers. To have this provision independently recognised means a great deal to all of us.”

This year the highly respected National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards are celebrating their 21st anniversary, with household names such as Royal Mail, Aviva, Marston’s Brewery and the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust competing for the prestigious winner titles.

Nominations are accepted from various industries, with this year’s sectors ranging from construction, health and the public sector to IT, science and digital. With over 1,300 entries received nationally, the judging panel had their work cut out to select the winners.

The Yorkshire and Humber regional heats saw some incredible businesses receive recognition for their provision for apprentices, with Jet2.com ultimately taking home the crown. All the finalists represent recruitment excellence, high-quality training practices, diversity and career progression.

The awards also recognise and reward individual apprentices and, this year, included inaugural awards for both T-Level students and employers. Management Trainee apprentice at Bagnalls’ York branch, Max Rollinson, also saw incredible success at the awards ceremony, winning The Lloyds Banking Group Rising Star of the Year Award!

Max completed Level Two and Three Painting and Decorating apprenticeships with Bagnalls, before completing his Level Four Construction Site Supervisor apprenticeship earlier this year. This talented young apprentice will go forward to the national finals of the competition this November, where his colleagues wish him every success.

Ellie Jobes, HR Director at Bagnalls, commented: “It’s fantastic to see Max have his talents recognised and rewarded. He is an exemplary Management Trainee and we are thrilled to have him as part of our team. Congratulations, Max – and good luck for the finals. The whole Bagnalls family is cheering you on!”

The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024 are designed to reward the achievements of exceptional apprentices, T-Level students and skills champions, as well as apprenticeship and T-Level employers. Apprentices like Max prove they have gone above and beyond to make a difference during their studies, while employers such as Bagnalls work to champion skills and nurture young talent.