We offer more apprenticeships than any other Corps and the Awards is our way of celebrating everyone involved with this superb scheme, from the apprentices themselves through to those who devote their time to supporting the development of the next generation.
All Phase 2 soldiers start their own apprenticeship journeys at 11(RSS) Sig Regt which they complete once they reach their units. They are supervised and mentored throughout the process by both military staff and the apprenticeship providers, and finish with important professional qualifications that are relevant not just whilst serving, but also into future civilian life.
The Awards took place at Blandford Camp, and were hosted by the Corps Colonel, Colonel Nik Bruce ADC, who is the awards sponsor. Colonel Bruce was joined by the Master of Signals, Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith, to present prizes to the winners of each trade and to those who champion apprenticeships across the Corps.
This year's winners are:
Royal Signals Apprentice of the Year – Signaller Prasanna Limbu Thebe, a Communications Infrastructure Engineer serving with 10 Sig Regt. He was presented the Silver Falcon by Mr Mark Thistlethwaite, Head of Business Development and Overseas Campaigns for Digital Intelligence at BAE Systems. Sig Limbu was also the Infrastructure Apprentice award.
Information Services Apprentice of the Year – Signaller Grace Phoenix, serving with 280 (NATO) Sig Sqn. Sig Phoenix also received the IT Apprentice medallion presented by the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists
Network Apprentice of the Year – Signaller Luke Davies, 22 Sig Regt
Electronic Warfare Apprentice of the Year – Lance Corporal Sian Bush, serving with 29 EOD and Search Group Support Unit
Also receiving recognition for their outstanding support to apprentices was:
Apprenticeships Champion - SSgt (FofS(IS)) Francis Lyness, 22 Sig Regt who received the Bowman statue from Mr Mark Ashley, Vice President of General Dynamics UK
Apprenticeships Unit Champion – 30 Sig Regt
Director of the Royal Signals Institution, Colonel (Retired) Andrew Percival, who arranges the competition and ceremony said, “The Apprentice Awards mark a high level of attainment and early commitment to a career-long journey of professionalism for the Royal Signals. With 1,500 Signallers at any one-time part of the apprenticeship scheme, to be the best of your year is no mean feat.”
General Nesmith said, “It is great to see some of our very talented soldiers recognised at the Apprenticeship Awards - as the Master of Signals I am very proud of their commitment and achievement. Apprenticeships are important for our people - it reflects an investment in skills and knowledge. And important for the Corps - to ensure we are as professionally ready and capable to deliver for Defence.”
Apprenticeships are a very important part of what makes the Royal Signals so special, and we want to thank everyone involved in delivering them.
