(left to right: Award-winning apprentices, Georgia Wicker-Bayley and Evie Bumstead)
Two Dover District Council (DDC) apprentices scooped top honours at the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards 2022 hosted at the Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs last night (10 February).
Georgia Wicker-Bayley and Evie Bumstead were both finalists in the business management and administration category, with Georgia going on to win the category as Apprentice of the Year.
Georgia from Margate works with DDC’s housing team, advising local families about options for council homes and supporting those who may find themselves homeless.
Speaking after the awards, Georgia said: “I never expected to win the award and I am so grateful to have done so. I would not have been able to get to where I am today without the help and support of everyone within my team. I have learnt so much over the last two and a half years and this is down to them. I enjoy the work that I do!
“A special thank you to my supervisor, Sheila Welsh, for all her support since I joined the team.”
Evie from Elms Vale in Dover works in community safety, promoting initiatives to protect local people from everything from anti-social behaviour to tackling domestic abuse. In her role, Evie also works alongside partners such as Kent Police through the Dover District Community Safety Unit.
Evie said: “I am proud to have been nominated for Apprentice of the year by my manager. After continuing work through the pandemic, completing different training courses, and attending multiple events, it is amazing to know this work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Being an apprentice for DDC has given me so many great opportunities and I am very grateful to have been a finalist out of so many applicants.”
Nadeem Aziz, Chief Executive of Dover District Council, said: “Georgia and Evie are a credit to the Council and great ambassadors for the drive and enthusiasm which apprentices bring to the workplace. They richly deserve their awards.
“DDC is committed to developing exciting careers with the Council for local people and working with local colleges to provide a range of apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with vocational qualifications.”
DDC currently employs five apprentices in areas including accountancy, community safety, legal, and parks and open spaces. The Council also employs four young people aged 16-24 through the Government’s Kickstart scheme.
Posted on 11 February 2022