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11 July 2014

e2v apprentices claim third place in the national search for the Apprentice Team of the year

Nine apprentices from Essex technology firm e2v, came runners-up in the search for the official ‘apprentice team of the year’ following a gruelling six month challenge against the country’s leading apprentice employers and training providers.

After beating over 110 teams and 1000 apprentices throughout the UK to make the national finals, our local e2v apprentices ages 16 – 20, competed against a final eight teams, managing to raise over £3000 for both Havens Hospice and Cancer Research, through various local charity events and fundraisers.

Supported by the National Apprenticeship Service, the Brathay Apprentice Challenge tests non-technical work skills and the personal attributes of competing apprentices. As part of the challenge the team took part in a two-day long adventure finale in Ambleside, where they were tested on their problem solving and physical abilities, culminating in a whaler boat race across Lake Windermere which pushed the teams’ strength and teamwork to the limit.

Team captain, George Williams (19) said, “I was already overwhelmed when we found out we had made the final. We put so much effort into getting that far I already knew we had achieved something great. To get third place is phenomenal, we were the smallest company in the competition and up against some huge names. I think that’s what pushed us even further and made us more determined to get to the top. I’m so proud of all the guys and so happy we could do this for e2v who have supported us so much”

Russell Ricketts, who mentored the team throughout the challenge, commented, “With over 7% of our employees being graduates or apprentices, apprenticeships are a vital part of our organisation and to see our apprentices perform so well in the apprentice team of the year competition makes us all very proud. This is a huge achievement for both our organisation and our individual apprentices.”

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure at Essex County Council said: “Apprenticeships bring so much to the county- they help businesses grow and enable apprentices to earn while they learn in a real job. I am delighted to hear that apprentices from e2v, have been crowned 3rd place winners – this is a great achievement. It proves how much apprentices learn, what array of skills they learn on the job and what talent we have here in Essex.”

For more information about e2v and our apprenticeship schemes visit www.e2v.com 

– Ends –

 Media Contact: For enquiries about this press release contact: Jennifer Spencer-Charles; Jennifer.Spencer-Charles@e2v.com   

Notes to Editor:

  • Pictures: Brathay Team
  • Brathay winners: 1st PepsiCo, 2nd QinetiQ , 3rd e2v
  • About e2v: e2v is a leading global provider of specialist technology for high performance systems and equipment; delivering solutions, sub-systems and components for applications within medical & science, aerospace & defence, and commercial & industrial markets.
    e2v employs approximately 1600 people, has design and operational facilities across Europe, North America and Asia, and has a global network of sales and technical support offices. e2v has annual sales of GBP220m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
  • Brathay Trust: Brathay Trust is a charity with the mission to improve the life chances of children and young people. They do this by inspiring them to engage positively in their communities. They also create highly successful professional development programmes and, through rigorous evaluation, they can ensure a return on investment for each and every client.

 For e2v media enquiries contact:

Press office: +44 (0)1245 453625

Mobile: +44 (0)7803 150945

 Keep in touch with e2v:

Visit: www.e2v.com

Brathay win_1