Michael Worden named Mentor of the Year

We are delighted to announce that Michael Worden, general manager at Vita Accrington, has been named Mentor of the Year at Nelson & Colne College’s Apprenticeship Awards.

The award ceremony was held in Accrington Stanley Football Club’s 1968 lounge, at the Wham Stadium and celebrated the successes and contributions to the industry of both the college’s apprentices and the companies that support them.

The judges commended Michael for always attending reviews and ensuring the apprentices develop their knowledge and skills while nurturing the professional development of his leaders and managers. They particularly praised Michael for ensuring the apprentices he mentors are given the best opportunities possible.

Vita Accrington’s apprenticeship partnership with the Nelson & Colne College Group has two elements: entry-level apprentices and mature apprentices who are developing their roles and skill set.

Vita is currently supporting apprenticeships in:

• Electrical Engineering
• Level 2 Business Administration
• Level 3 Business Admin
• Level 2 Team Leadership
• Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Management
• Level 5 Diploma in Operations Management

The individuals completing these apprenticeships include a school leaver and a middle management trainee.

Commenting on his award win, Michael said: “I would like to express my gratitude to the college for recognising myself and The Vita Group and the work we do with our apprentices. These apprenticeship programs are hugely important to the development and professional satisfaction of our colleagues that undertake them.

“The most important ingredient – other than the apprentices themselves – is quality, real-world training material delivered and supported by competent and passionate teaching professionals, I also feel bringing apprentices through the program is a real pleasure, again which is made possible by the team at Nelson and Colne College Group.

Explaining the importance of apprenticeships, Michael added: “It is vital for me and the wider management team to recognise the impact of continued learning and development for our colleagues. Not only does it ensure an important pathway for the progression of our people, but it equips colleagues with improved and modernised skills, which increases their workplace effectiveness.

“Apprenticeships offer flexible learning, combining formal education with real-world application, and Nelson & Colne College does a great job of tailoring learning materials to our business.”