Awards recognise employers’ outstanding support for apprenticeships

Bromford Flagship LiveWest, Spartek ECS and VS Brickwork
have been recognised for their exceptional support for apprenticeship training
at City College Norwich’s 2026 Apprenticeship Awards.  

The awards evening, held in the college’s Debut Restaurant,
also saw Gary Howard, General Manager at Redpack Packaging Machinery, honoured
for his outstanding contribution to apprenticeships.

With the college working with around 700 employers annually,
spanning all the major sectors in Norfolk, the contributions to apprenticeship
training made by these award winners have truly stood out.

Bromford Flagship LiveWest

The affordable housing provider for almost 300,000 customers
across the southwest, central and east of England was named Apprenticeship
Employer of the Year (Large Business).

Bromford Flagship LiveWest has apprentices in multiple areas
of its business, working towards Business Administration, Property Maintenance
Operations, Gas, Electrical, Chartered Management and Land Based Apprenticeship
standards.

They provide ‘brilliant support’ in terms of learning
opportunities for development, on-the-job training, and 1-to-1 supervisions –
with well organised reviews that are attended not only by the apprenticeship
coordinator, but also the apprentice’s manager and often also their mentor. Reviews
are a great space for collaboration as well as an opportunity to check in with
progress.

The apprentices are ‘very happy in their work’ and ‘keen to
have a career with Bromford Flagship LiveWest on completion of their apprenticeships.’

Spartek ECS

Watton-based Spartek ECS, which provides solar panel
installations, electrical contracting, and fire safety installations, was
presented with the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award (Medium
Business).

Spartek, led by owner Lee Watson, was praised for its
exemplary support for apprentices and the wider contribution it is making as ‘a
cornerstone of community pride, development, and resilience’.

The team at Spartek fully support their apprentices and work
collaboratively with the college. In addition, Lee and his team have
demonstrated exceptional leadership and social responsibility – through local
sourcing, job creation, youth development, charitable giving, and international
partnership. Their work enriches Watton today while investing in its
future.   

VS Brickwork

Cringleford-based construction firm VS Brickwork was named
Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (Small Business).

VS Brickwork was praised for having gone ‘above and beyond’
to support their apprentice and providing him with expert training and guidance
on site, which in turn led to their apprentice making great improvements and
progress all round with his brickwork and general work ethic.

The employer’s feedback for their apprentice is ‘always very
supportive and developmental’, demonstrating a clear commitment to their
training and progression. Excellent communications with, and responsiveness to
the college’s Apprenticeships team, have further underpinned the high-quality
support provided to the apprentice.   

Gary Howard – Redpack Packaging Machinery

Gary Howard, General Manager at Bowthorpe-based Redpack
Packaging Machinery, received the Contribution to Apprenticeships Award.

A ‘true advocate for apprenticeships’, Gary has embedded
apprenticeships ‘into the heart of workforce development’ at Redpack. He has
ensured that apprentices are not simply viewed as recruitment tools, but as
long-term investments in people and skills.

He actively supports apprentices from initial recruitment
through to completion, creating a culture where they are mentored, challenged,
and encouraged to progress. His leadership has helped shape an environment
where apprentices feel valued and supported to reach their full potential.

What makes Gary stand out is his commitment beyond his own
organisation. He works collaboratively with other employers to promote the
value of apprenticeships, sharing best practice and encouraging businesses to
invest in developing future talent. He actively engages with the college to
review apprenticeship delivery, ensuring programmes remain aligned with
industry needs and provide real value to both learners and employers.

Gary Howard exemplifies what it means to be an
Apprenticeship Champion: passionate, collaborative, forward-thinking, and
committed not only to developing talent within his own business, but to
strengthening the apprenticeship community as a whole.

Ed Rose, City College Norwich’s Executive Director Business
Development, Apprenticeships and Adults, said:

“Congratulations to our award winners,
who demonstrate the very best of what can be achieved through apprenticeship
training. These employers exemplify outstanding support for apprentices, take a
highly collaborative approach, and have embedded apprenticeship training as a
key ingredient for the development of their people and their businesses.”