National Apprenticeship Week takes place from the 8th-14th February 2021 and is designed to raise the profile of apprenticeships with both employers and learners. The theme is ‘Build the Future’ and aims to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills required for a rewarding career.

We are delighted to announce in conjunction with our End Point Assessment organisation, DSW our Apprentice Awards 2021 winner and runner ups for their outstanding performance in sector apprenticeships.

Winner – Yasmin Berhardt

Congratulations to Yasmin, whose outstanding hard work and dedication was truly deserving of this special recognition.

Coach Tony Vaughan commented: “Yasmin has been one of the most willing, diligent and dedicated apprentices I have ever worked with. She was always on time with her work (most of the time in advance), she was willing to learn and took feedback on without any complaints and applied herself to the feedback brilliantly. Despite the challenges everyone faced with Covid-19 and the potential for delays, Yasmin did not let that bother her at all and easily adapted to the change of delivery. If I remember correctly, she passed the final 2 exams in a week after studying for them simultaneously to complete her Cert CII. She was initially set to complete her apprenticeship by the end of April 2021, but she completed it on 18^th December 2020, 4 months earlier than planned.

She has excelled in her job role, her line manager Dianne Lewis spoke very highly of Yasmin’s contribution to the team and that given her relative inexperience, she has taken on more challenging work with her trade mark enthusiasm and commitment, which has yielded positive results. She is fearless in her attitude to learn and is driven and motivated and has built an excellent rapport with her team and her clients.

I am sure that with her initiative and drive she has a very bright future ahead of her and is a worthy winner of this award.”

The assessor at DSW commented: “The apprentice I assessed was an exceptional candidate who produced an outstanding portfolio of evidence and conducted herself extremely well within her professional discussion, culminating in a Distinction being awarded. Her portfolio contained very good examples of her excellent ability and the pride she took in her role, not only developing her own knowledge but supporting her colleagues too.”

Yasmin was delighted to accept the award commenting:

“I’m very thankful for the recognition of my progress on the programme. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained have played a pivotal role in my development as an underwriter. I’ve hugely enjoyed the experience and I’m grateful to have had such a supportive coach and line manager who helped me achieve my potential.”

Runner up – Enis Ozgur

Enis was an apprentice at Lockton and Johanna Fox, Associate Development Specialist commented: “We’re very proud that Enis has been recognised with this award from Davies Learning Solutions. He was dedicated to his development whilst at Lockton and we wish him the best in his ongoing career aspirations.”

Enis’ coach Chris McCarthy commented: “Throughout his apprenticeship, Enis showed great tenacity and enthusiasm in developing both his technical knowledge and the skills needed to develop in his role. Enis was diligent in his approach to learning, taking every opportunity to receive feedback and build on any gaps in his knowledge, ultimately achieving both his Cert CII and a distinction for his apprenticeship. Throughout his time on the apprenticeship, Enis showed a real determination to succeed, facing every challenge head on and I’m delighted this has been recognised!”

DSW assessor commented that Enis had a “great portfolio full of content and relevance; well organised and detailed.”

Enis commented on receiving his award:

“I am truly honoured and proud of this! Davies Group and my coach, Chris have been really helpful during this process so I would also like to thank you.”

Runner up – Olivia George

Olivia completed her apprenticeship at Lloyd’s of London with a Distinction and Coach Emily Brookes commented: “Olivia is certainly memorable for me because of her chatty and personable nature! What also stood out for me is how much Olivia really took control of her learning. She was never afraid to ask questions and we would often have some great conversations which helped her learn but I always enjoyed them too. Olivia showed great resilience to pass her insurance exams. She will tell you herself exam environments are perhaps not her forte, so when she passed her final exam on the first attempt she was over the moon. She worked incredibly hard in her final months to get her portfolio together and the Distinction was well deserved.

Olivia was an absolute pleasure to coach, I was delighted for her when her hard work paid off and she secured a permanent role in the industry after impressing those in her market placement. I am sure she has a bright insurance career ahead of her!”

DSW assessor commented that Olivia “attained and thoroughly deserved a distinction, showing through her case studies to be a professional individual who wanted to develop, whilst being very personable and a team player. She admitted that she found the exams hard and hadn’t always passed them first time, but her determination shone through and she finally succeeded.”

Olivia on completing the apprenticeship scheme said:

“It has enabled me to think of what I am able to achieve in the future. The level of support I have received throughout the programme, particularly throughout my placements has been remarkable. I have developed existing skills, gained new ones and I am looking forward to using these as I continue my insurance career. My coach Emily and DSW have been extremely supportive throughout the apprenticeship programme – so thank you!”

We are proud of all our apprentices and celebrate their success as we recognise their amazing achievements!

Our learning solutions team delivers a range of apprenticeship programmes across insurance & financial services. Get in touch with Carolyn Blunt to find out how we help businesses make the most from the apprenticeship levy.