OAS learner wins Enginuity’s Apprentice of the Year!

Congratulations to OAS apprentice, Josh Tee, who has been named Large Employer Apprentice of the Year at the Enginuity Skills Awards 2022!

The accolade recognises 19-year-old Josh’s enthusiasm, positive attitude, and determination in overcoming multiple challenges, including dyslexia.

Now in the third year of his four-year apprenticeship, Abingdon-based Josh is an engineering apprentice at UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), which carries out fusion energy research on behalf of the Government. He has overcome significant obstacles to become one of the most promising and ambitious apprentices in his cohort at the OAS training centre in Oxfordshire.

The youngster was born with a cleft palate that severely impacted his speech and was also diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 12. 

Having received additional tuition and support from specialist tutors during his school education, Josh credits his achievements to his foster parents’ support and investment in assisting him to access the help he needed. Despite being predicted to fail his GCSEs, Josh refused to give up and secured his apprenticeship in which he is now excelling. 

“I’m so happy to have won this award. It really means a lot after all the things I’ve faced and all the things I’ve been through – I never thought I would get as far as I have today,” Josh said.

“Doing the apprenticeship was a bit scary at first but I got used to it and everyone is very friendly and supportive and helping and caring. It’s really helped me with my confidence.”

David Grailey, managing director at MTC Apprenticeships, the training provider at OAS, said, “Our teams are committed to supporting all learners to fulfil their potential, and we couldn’t be prouder of Josh and the progress he has made since joining the programme. 

“His professional and personal transformation are an inspiration, and really demonstrate the amazing opportunities that apprenticeships offer to both learners and their employers. He has an extremely bright future ahead of him.”

Now in their ninth year, the Enginuity Skills Awards celebrate innovation in the engineering and manufacturing sector. 27 finalists were shortlisted across 10 categories that recognise the brilliant apprentices and learners, champions of skills development, and innovators who are all tackling today’s toughest challenges throughout the industry. Details of all the winners can be found at www.enginuity.org/news-events/skills-awards/.