Sotiris King, an apprentice in the housing needs team at Dover District Council, was named ‘Public Sector Apprentice of the Year’ at the inaugural East Kent Apprenticeship Awards held at the Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs last night (7 March 2019) as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Sotiris (19) who lives in Deal joined Dover District Council’s apprenticeship scheme in October 2018. Alongside practical work experience in one of the Council’s busiest departments, Sotiris is studying for a Level 2 Business Administration Diploma at East Kent College.
Sotiris was nominated for the award by Rhoda Allinson of EKC Group. She said: “Sotiris demonstrates a high level of commitment with his college work as well as in his job. He produces work to a high standard, with a good deal of research and understanding of the tasks he is completing. He is willing to take on new tasks and has used his skills to produce a variety of process maps, which can be seen displayed around the office.”
Commenting on his award, Sotiris, said: “I only found out on Monday that I had been nominated so it was a real surprise! I didn’t think I was doing anything special. I am just committed to doing my best at work and in my college work. That said I was extremely honoured to be nominated let alone win the trophy.
“I love working in the office. I am always kept busy while also having a great team around me that helped me to settle in. It’s fantastic to know you are rewarded for hard work and I was so pleased to receive the award.”
Dover District Council was also nominated as Public Sector Organisation of the Year. Dover District Council currently has 12 apprentices on its payroll.
Dave Randall, Director of Governance, said: “We’re delighted that Sotiris received his richly deserved award as Apprentice of the Year. Along with all our apprentices, he is doing a great job in developing the skills and experience that we need in the next generation of local government officers.
“It was also great to see the Council’s apprenticeship programme recognised at this prestigious awards ceremony. We’ve worked hard to provide a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities, and this year recruited our first higher level apprenticeships for future legal and finance professionals.”
Posted on 08 March 2019