North Star was delighted to be shortlisted for the BME Tees Valley Awards, Apprenticeship Organisation Category, for its most recent approach to developing an inclusive workforce.

On Friday staff attended the awards ceremony.

This was a fantastic event celebrating the hard work of many talented individuals. Although we did not win we were incredibly proud to have been one of three organisations shortlisted for this category.

Our apprentices have developed their skills and gained a clear idea of the direction they would like to take in their future working career. The programme has worked for the organisation and the apprentices. It has helped to develop experience and learning. The apprentices get to experience up to 4 different placements, moving teams after three months. Managers have stated that the interest and commitment shown has been really impressive.

The last word rightly goes to one of the apprentices who said: “I have not been in the UK for very long and I’m 6 months into my one-year placement. I’m really enjoying learning new things and facing new challenges. It’s great to learn more about how North Star works with people in need and communities”