Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2016
We are very proud to announce that our UK Accounts Apprentice Justin McKeon has won the Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year Award at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2016. The award is given on the basis of outstanding occupational progress, practical and theoretical ability, positive approach to employment and personal qualities. Justin impressed the judges and beat some tough competition to clinch the top prize.
The award was all the more significant because Justin, who has Asperger’s, had found it very difficult to gain a place on an apprenticeship scheme, despite his valuable skills and huge potential.
“Winning this award after unsuccessfully applying for similar apprenticeship roles for 18 months puts into perspective how important it is to recruit with an open mind, as Malvern Instruments have done,” Justin explains.
“I am fortunate to be among the 16% of people on the Autism spectrum to be in full-time work but there is still a vast, untapped pool of talent out there with incredible skills to offer. Delivering a diverse and talented workforce will no doubt strengthen Malvern’s position as a market leader.”
Justin joined Malvern in August 2015, and since then has provided invaluable support to the Accounts Payable and Receivable teams. Justin is also a fantastic ambassador for Malvern Instruments, having represented us at various events, most recently the Wider Launch of the Autism Strategy at Worcestershire County Council, at which Justin and Rebecca Bennett, UK HR Advisor, gave a presentation about helping those who are on the autism spectrum into employment, and supporting them once they are there. Justin has been a trustee of ASPIE, a social self-help and motivation group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, for over two years.
The Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2016 celebrated the achievements of some of Worcestershire’s best apprentices, employers, training providers and schools. This year’s event was held at the West Midland Safari & Leisure Park, near Bewdley, Worcestershire, and was hosted by the first ever winner of the UK television show The Apprentice, Tim Campbell MBE.
“Just to be announced as a finalist in August was a big surprise to me, but to go all the way and win still feels unreal,” Justin said. “We all had a great night and walking up to collect an award at an event like this was something I never expected to be doing!”
Justin has achieved a massive amount within the relatively short period of time he has been working for Malvern, and we look forward to supporting him in all his future endeavors!
Congratulations Justin!
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