The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2019 took place on Thursday 4th April at the stunning Jurys Inn Oxford. Around 130 guests attended to see Apprentices, schools, employers and Apprenticeship Ambassadors recognised for their achievements and commitment to Apprenticeships in Oxfordshire.

There were two winners of the overall Apprentice of the Year Award - Nairne Barker, an Administrative Support Officer at Oxfordshire County Council, who also won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award and Shaun Morton, a Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice at Nielsen, who also won the Higher Apprentice of the Year Award. 

Nairne says: "I could not be any more grateful to receive the accolades Advanced Apprentice of the Year and Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year. The awards evening at Jury’s Inn was lovely and a celebration of the true talent that Apprentices in Oxfordshire have! Over the past two years, my Apprenticeship has taught me much more than just business administration, it has enabled me to grow in confidence and capability enormously. I also know that I couldn’t have won this award without the support and guidance I am given from my managers, colleagues and training providers."

Shaun says: "I was extremely proud to be named Apprentice of the Year. Apprenticeships are something that I am very passionate about and I feel that they give young people a great start to their careers in a range of given industries. To win Oxfordshire's Apprentice of the Year on the night was a special moment for me and it was a great chance to celebrate all of the achievements from a range of different individuals and companies."

Huge congratulations to Nairne, Shaun and all the finalists and a big thank you to all our sponsors, who made this fantastic event possible. 

See below for a list of all the winners and highly commended entrants. See some photos from the event here. 

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by Darke & Taylor

Winner: 

• Josephine Allen, Business Admin Apprentice, Oxford Learning Institute, University of Oxford

Highly commended:

• Robin Morrisen, Business Admin Apprentice, Oxfordshire County Council
• Tom Pritchard-Pitts, Shepherd Apprentice, Blenheim

Advanced Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Clarkson Evans

Winner:

• Nairne Barker, Administrative Support Officer, Oxfordshire County Council

Highly commended:

• Tristan Canfer, Electronic Engineering Apprentice, STFC
• Hafsah Rana, Business Admin Apprentice, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Higher Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by High Spec Composites

Winner:

• Shaun Morton, Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice, Nielsen

Highly commended:

• Leona Weston, PR & Communications Apprentice, OxLEP
• Emma Hancock, Digital and Technology Solutions Profession Degree Apprenticeship, STFC 

Special Recognition Award – sponsored by Blenheim

Winner:

• Frederika Kaja, Data Analyst Apprentice, Oxfordshire County Council

Highly commended:

• Imogen Hill, Beauty Therapy Apprentice, The Skincare Clinic
• Libby Orum, Hairdressing Apprentice, Popham Hairdressing

Shining Star Award - sponsored by Integration Technology

Winner:

• Adam Barrett, Technical Highways Engineer, Oxfordshire County Council

Highly commended:

• Emily Joyce, Administrative Manager for Graduate Admissions, University of Oxford
• Mahrya Zulfaqar, Nursing Associate Trainee, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Apprenticeship Employer Award (<50 employees) - sponsored by Popham Hairdressing 

Winner:

• The Burnside Partnership

Highly commended:

• Assure UK
• Gareth Clark Hair For Men Ltd

Apprenticeship Employer Award (50+ employees) - sponsored by Barclays

Winner:

• Oxfordshire County Council

Highly commended:

• Nielsen
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

School Award – sponsored by The Careers & Enterprise Company

Winner:

• North Oxfordshire Academy

Highly commended:

• John Mason School
• Wood Green School

Apprenticeship Ambassador Award – sponsored by OxLEP

Winner:

• Jordan Morris, University of Oxford Print Studio

Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by headline sponsors UKAEA

Winners:

• Nairne Barker, Administrative Support Officer, Oxfordshire County Council
• Shaun Morton, Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice, Nielsen