Rising stars of Dorset’s business world were recognised for their excellence at a special celebration.
Organisers of the Warde Apprenticeship Award held a presentation evening for the first time to recognise the outstanding quality of entries and achievements of applicants.
The contest for the best apprentice in Dorset is sponsored by Geoffrey Warde, supported by Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and organised by the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN).
Tonderai Taringa, an applications developer at JP Morgan, claimed the Apprentice of the Year title after being chosen from a record number of entries.
Talented Ashleigh Baker, and Ben Wigley, both of Superior Seals, Benjamin Heffer of JP Morgan and Henry Tardif of Cobham plc were all Highly Commended.
Businessman and former Chamber president Mr Warde presented prizes to the high-flyers in front of more than 40 guests at the reception at the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Sandbanks.
Tonderai, 21, of Christchurch, said: “It was great to meet many of the other apprentices.
“I was very honoured and grateful to win the award. It was a superb idea to hold a special presentation ceremony to recognise all of the apprentices.”
The winner of the third annual Warde Apprenticeship Award was announced at the DCCI’s President’s Lunch earlier this year.
With Highly Commended places being awarded for the first time because of the high standard of entries, organisers decided to hold a special presentation evening.
Mr Warde congratulated the winners and called for more businesses to employ apprentices.
He said: “All of my life I have believed in training, and helping people to learn and succeed because of their abilities.”
Mr Warde also thanked all present for their support and set the target of 100 award entries next year.
DCCI chief executive Ian Girling welcomed guests and Mr Davis told how the standard of entries was so high that they could have awarded the winning trophy to 80% of them.
Mr Girling said: “Finally apprenticeships are being recognised for the robust and valuable qualifications they are.
“Employers want practical knowledge and the right attitude, not just academic skills.
“This is why apprenticeships are so important. Businesses need to be competitive in a growing global economy and our apprentices and young people entering employment are our businesses of tomorrow.”
Mr Davis added that judging the entries was a very challenging and pleasurable process, and that it was great to see apprenticeships held in such high esteem.
Guests also included Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce president Roger Williams and David Ramsden, who is regional treasurer of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and Local Enterprise Partnership chairman Gordon Page.
