The National Apprenticeship Awards 2019 celebrates trailblazing employers who provide apprenticeships, and apprentices who are inspirational to others.

RDT entered the awards for the first time this year in two categories, Employer of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. We were thrilled to make it through the first round for both categories, but sadly didn’t progress to the regional finals.

However, we would still like to take the opportunity to widen understanding of apprenticeships, as our experience has been very positive. Our Associate Software Engineer, Joe Porter, is working towards a degree in digital and technology solutions as part of his apprenticeship programme. This is alongside his work at RDT, where he is gaining real-world experience and earning an income. Joe has also been involved locally in awareness raising by giving advice to young people making post-GCSE and A-Level decisions.

Joe’s apprenticeship has been so successful that we are expanding the scheme and have four more apprentices starting in the autumn, in three areas of the business.

We wish all the NAA finalists good luck and will follow their progress with interest.

RDT’s HR Director Fiona Mason said: “While this was not an award winning year for us, the benefits of the apprenticeship programme are clear. I look forward to welcoming the class of 2019 to RDT in the autumn – and to getting our hands on one of those awards next time!”