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Mia Difolco holding her Apprentice Graduation certificate

Nichola Sedge holding her Apprentice Graduation certificate

Nichola, Mia and their line managers Amanda Chick and Michelle Lambourne

I had the pleasure of attending the Brighton and Hove Apprenticeship Graduation 2024 ceremony organised by The Sussex Council of Training Providers at The Grand Hotel in Brighton recently with Cathy McDonnell Assistant Director of Culture, Organisational Development & Wellbeing and Caroline Merchant, Business Development Manager (Apprenticeships).

This was the first year the University of Sussex was a sponsor, raising our profile to the local community especially now the University of Sussex is delivering degree apprenticeships. The evening was even more special as we applauded the accomplishments of Nichola Sedge Assistant HR Business Partner and Mia Difolco Senior HR Business Services Coordinator who both achieved the HR Consultant Partner level 5 apprenticeship. 

Other Sussex apprentices who were unable to attend the event for a number of reasons include, Ramon Gonzalez-Mendez, Scientific Officer,  Senior Leader Level 7; Iain Berry, Senior Payroll Manager, Operations / departmental Manager Level 5; Katie Turner and Sophie Heath both Change Communications Officers, Digital Marketer Level 3; and Ella Currie, Communications and Events Coordinator, Content Creator Level 3.

Everyone knows I love my job and I’m incredibly passionate about apprenticeships for the positive and transformative opportunities apprenticeships offer to individuals and the impact they have on employers, so I was delighted to have been nominated for one of the special awards too, the Employee/Employer Contribution to Apprenticeships Award. I didn’t win this time, (?) but I was thrilled to read my colleagues' comments on the nomination, thank you all – it meant a lot to me.

The evening was an incredible celebration of local apprentices, their supportive employers and the training providers who all work collaboratively and tirelessly to make apprenticeship work.  Many truly uplifting and inspiring stories and presentations from apprentices, employers and guests showcased the incredible dedication, hard work, and life-changing benefits of apprenticeships, illustrating their profound impact on individuals and communities alike.

Thank you so much to the organisers and everyone who played a part in making the evening so special. Congratulations to all the apprentices on their achievements, I wish everyone continued success in the future.

If this has inspired you to know more about staff apprenticeships at Sussex please email staffapprenticeships@sussex.ac.uk to arrange an infomal chat.  General information, advice and guidance are available on the Staff Apprenticeships webpage.

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