Dartford-based reseller Astro Communications has called on channel companies to embrace apprentice training after securing double success at the annual Institute of Telecommunications Professionals Awards.
After proudly seeing James Tuck win the ITP SME Apprentice of the Year and Joe Wing a runners-up place at the awards ceremony in London's West End, Astro co-founder and CTO Steve Smith told Comms Dealer: "We were absolutely delighted when they were nominated and for James to go on to win the award and stand alongside some of the UK's industry giants is a huge success for a small company like Astro. The ITP team are hugely supportive enabling small businesses to provide an apprenticeship on par with the likes of BT and Virgin Media.
"Anything that actively promotes the development of young talent within our industry is to be celebrated and Astro will continue to support the ITP and the apprentice programme for many years to come. Furthermore, we strongly recommend other small businesses in our industry do the same. There is no better investment in the future."
The full line up of winners were: ITP SME Apprentice of the Year, James Tuck (Astro);. ITP Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Kayleigh Hunter (Virgin Media); ITP Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Lauren Tiller (BT); ITP Higher Apprentice of the Year Vish Patel (BT); Christopher Mills Award Hadleigh Gaudreau (BT); Chris Seymour Award for Women in Telecoms, Nathalie Vafiadis (EE); ITP Mentor of the Year, Dave Davis( i-Direct).
At the ceremony ITP Chairman Lucy Woods also announced 34 Honorary Fellowships, awarded to individuals who have made substantial contribution to the industry through technical excellence, teaching, high level and successful leadership roles.
The ITP Fellows have also lead original research or other material activities which have moved the industry forward in a positive way. Among this number was Sir Mike Rake, Chairman of BT Group, who has also become a Patron of the ITP.
Adam Oliver, ITP's CEO said: "It was a superb evening, recognising the best talent across the telecoms industry, he added. "We are celebrating some great role models across all the awards."