Apprentice reaches finals of BAME Apprenticeship Awards

We're delighted to announce that Aaminah Ahmed, Learner Services Apprentice, has been shortlisted as an 'Apprentice of the Year' in the BAME Apprenticeship Awards 2020, in the Legal and Professional Services category.

The BAME Apprenticeship Awards showcase the outstanding work and achievement of apprentices from black and minority ethnic groups (BAME) and inspires apprentices to reach their full potential.

Aaminah, 22, works in the Learner Services team at PM Training, where she supports learners to progress in their studies as they move towards their own apprenticeships. She said: "I’m delighted to have reached the finals. I want to help inspire a change in attitudes and opinions in my region and to use this opportunity to help raise the profiles of apprenticeships in general and help show young people they are able to reach their full potential no matter what their walk of life may be.”

Nicola Hudson, Programme Manager at PM Training initially interviewed and recruited Aaminah, and guided her through her work trial. She said: “I first met Aaminah when she attended the training centre looking for support with securing an apprenticeship. It was clear from the interview that Aaminah was a bright, confident individual who had lots of qualities to offer.

“Following on from the interview, a department within our training centre began looking to take on an apprentice and Aaminah was the perfect fit. She successfully completed a work trial before being offered the apprenticeship. Throughout her trial, she showed great work ethic, enthusiasm and engaged well with students to promote apprenticeships.”

Aaminah consistently shows a level of enthusiasm and pride in her work that is rare to see amongst any workers, not just apprentices. She views her apprenticeship as an opportunity; always going above and beyond to ensure she gets the most out of the experience, and going out of her way to help others.

Aaminah said: “I can see a bright future ahead for myself within the company. I aspire to be a great apprentice, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity that PM training has given me. I have gained so much self-confidence and independence. My public speaking skills have greatly improved along with many other personal attributes. What I love the most about my job is that there is no limitation to learning. No two days are the same, as no two people are.”

The awards also raise the profile of employers and training providers across the UK, who are championing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Dan Canavan, Executive Director of PM Training, said: “It’s been great to see Aaminah progress within her apprenticeship. Everyone in the business knows her – she takes huge initiative and has an amazing energy. She truly deserves to win this award, but whatever the result she’s clearly going to go far, as we can all see the huge potential Aaminah has to achieve in anything she aspires to.”

The winners are scheduled to be revealed at a gala awards evening on Wednesday 11th November 2020, subject to Government guidelines and safety measures.