Successful night at the Grow Somerset Talent Awards!

We’re celebrating a double win at the Grow Somerset Talent Apprenticeship Awards, held on Monday 3 February 2020 at the Holiday Inn, Taunton.

Grow Somerset Talent is an initiative that aims to increase the awareness and success of apprenticeships in Somerset and their annual awards recognise the achievements of apprentices and employers.

Ashton McConnell was awarded Traineeship of the Year and Palette and Pasture from Trudoxhill, Frome was awarded Micro Employer of the Year.

Proof positive that a Traineeship can lead to an Apprenticeship, Ashton says, “I started as a Trainee with Teddy Bear Nursery, Washford, where I gained the skills and confidence needed to succeed. The team dedicated their time in helping and supporting me through my traineeship, to reach my full potential and progress onto a L3 Apprenticeship in Childcare. The one thing holding me back was the need to pass my maths and English and gain a Level 2. After passing those, I was able to find an apprenticeship in a job that I am really passionate about and I am enjoying so much at Little Stars Childminder in Taunton. The Traineeship made it happen for me.”

Palette and Pasture is a family run working dairy farm, running a successful ice-cream business. They’re a great believer in offering opportunity to students who may lack confidence and skills. Over the past 18 months, Palette and Pasture have supported four Somerset Skills & Learning Trainees offering work experience placements, followed by employment and Apprenticeship opportunities for each student. Their current Trainee, Brendan, will be offered an Apprenticeship in farming when he completes his Traineeship in March 2020.