Following a competitive contest, Kemi Badenoch MP has announced Katie Batt as the winner of her ‘Apprentice of the Year’ competition launched to mark Apprenticeship Week 2023 earlier this month.
Katie is a Commercial Heavy Goods Mechanic with Acme Bus Co., a local business based in Bamber’s Green. Katie joined the business in November 2020 after turning up to their door asking to be taken on as an apprentice. This display of initiative impressed the team, and over two years on Katie now supports the maintenance of up to 80 buses, coaches, minibuses, and cars.
Katie’s apprenticeship is one of 7,670 new Government supported apprenticeships in the Saffron Walden constituency since 2010. Each new apprenticeship means another person building the skills and knowledge they need for a long and successful career.
Alongside reforms to apprenticeships, the Government has introduced T-Levels and established twelve Institutes of Technology. T-Levels provide students with vocational options as rigorous and robust as A-Levels, whilst Institutes of Technology will be the pinnacle of technical training. As collaborations between universities, colleges and, business they will specialise in delivering quality, higher level technical training in STEM subjects, opening the door to highly skilled careers.
Commenting on the announcement, Mrs Badenoch said:
“I was really impressed with all the nominations that came in for my award, but Katie’s determined and hardworking attitude towards her apprenticeship really stood out to me.
“As a trained engineer and Minister for Women and Equalities, I am keen to highlight the talented women and girls embarking on careers in STEM- – particularly in a rural district like Uttlesford and for such an important local business.
“It is a pleasure to announce Katie as the winner of this award and great to see nominations from Stansted College, Uttlesford District council and other local businesses in the constituency.
“Apprenticeships are fantastic ways for students to enter the world of work, helping them to build new skills and gain vital industry knowledge–all while being paid.
“I hope this award will inspire other young people across the constituency who may be interested in an apprenticeship to apply for one.”
Commenting, James Palmer, Managing Director of ACME said:
“I am truly humbled and excited for Katie to be nominated as the winner.
“Acme Bus Company have been providing home to school transport and private hire coach work to the local communities for nearly 20 years we strive in professionalism and providing customer focussed support always.
“Katie is a valuable member of the team who is truly worthy as an ambassador for female engineers embarking on STEM careers.”
