APPRENTICES at a Warrington company put their design and presentation skills to the test in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week – and won praise from MP David Mowat.
The challenge saw 45 apprentices at Optionis Group on Centre Park being split into teams and tasked with creating a special edition of the company’s staff newsletter.
Colleagues across the business were invited to vote for the best design, while social media was used to encourage members of the public to have their say.
The apprentices then presented their designs to a three-strong judging panel comprising Optionis’ operations director, finance director and commercial director. Each member of the winning team was treated to a goodie bag.
In addition, 23-year-old Lewis Haworth, who works in the finance department as an accounts assistant, was named Optionis apprentice of the year – receiving a trophy and £100 shopping voucher.
Warrington South MP David Mowat presented Lewis with his prizes, and praised the contribution of all the company’s apprentices.
Mr Mowat said: “This is the second time I have visited Optionis to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
“On both occasions I have been blown away by the energy, ability and maturity of the young people employed by the company.
“Everyone who took part should be incredibly proud, because to produce work of this quality – and then present it to the company’s directors – is no easy task.
“The apprentices conducted themselves in a professional manner, and I’m sure they will go on to achieve great things at Optionis.
“Credit should go to the company for giving young people the opportunity to earn while they learn, and gain important skills that will serve them well throughout their career.”
Optionis was recently named as one of the top 100 employers of apprentices in England.
The company works closely with Warrington Collegiate and other training providers in the area to create tailored study programmes for its apprentices.
Picture: MP David Mowat with apprentice of the year Lewis Haworth
