Severn Trent engineer beats off hundreds to win Apprentice of the Year

Basi, 21, who works for Severn Trent Water, received the Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year Award in a ceremony at Grosvenor House in London's Mayfair attended by leading companies and skills and apprenticeships minister Anne Milton.

Commenting on the event, the minister said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards ceremony is a great opportunity to celebrate the work so many individuals and employers have done to champion apprenticeships.
 
“I want to congratulate everyone that was a part of these awards for their contribution to apprenticeships in England. They are all fantastic advocates of hard work and ambition, and they highlight how apprenticeships are a great route into skilled employment for people of all ages and backgrounds.” 

Apprenticeships are a great route into skilled employment for people of all ages and backgrounds

Anne Milton, apprenticeships minister

Basi, who was shortlisted in the category while still in his first year as an apprentice, has already been nominated for three other awards.

In addition to learning his profession by shadowing experienced Severn Trent colleagues, he is also involved in the company’s campaign to recruit new apprentices.

Now in their 14th year, the National Apprenticeship Awards include six employer categories and two newcomer categories. There are four apprentice categories: intermediate, advanced and higher or degree apprentice of the year, plus Apprenticeship Champion of the Year.

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, added: “This year’s winners are all shining examples of how apprenticeships develop outstanding talent whilst enhancing the incredible work of employers. I am certain all of our winners have a bright future thanks to the enriching benefits that apprenticeships bring.”