For two consecutive years, Whitecroft has been a finalist in three categories at the Department for Education's Regional Ceremony for the North West Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. This ceremony recognises our dedication to apprenticeships and upcoming T-level opportunities. This year, we brought home not one, not two, but three awards for our efforts!

QA Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award

This significant recognition is a powerful endorsement of the culture of support and mentorship we have established. It equally recognises the dedication of everyone at Whitecroft, managers and apprentices alike, who make our apprenticeship programmes such a resounding success.

For us, this commitment extends beyond in-house training; it’s about building a skilled future for our region and bringing fresh talent into our expanding workforce. Our focused outreach, including initiatives like school safaris, work experience, and T-Levels, operates in close partnership with Tameside College and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to showcase genuine career opportunities right on students’ doorsteps.

This strategy is clearly working and growing: 11% of our entire workforce is comprised of current and former apprentices who are successfully applying their developed skills and knowledge to drive business growth and strategic development across Whitecroft.

'Ignite Your Future' programme (formerly our Bright Futures Academy) expands this vital work. By engaging with apprentices across our supply chain and working closely with partners like BAM and Willmott Dixon, we are ensuring our commitment to skills development and outreach creates a sustainable and brighter future for the wider industry.

Ultimately, the collective success of our apprentices and these initiatives secured this prestigious award, placing us amongst industry leaders who are championing skills development. As a leader in UK lighting manufacturing, our goal is to leverage this success to inspire other businesses to invest in learning and development opportunities across the UK. By growing local talent and creating a highly skilled professional workforce, we aim to drive both Whitecroft’s future and broader economic opportunity.

British Army Higher Apprentice of the Year Award

Our commitment to internal development programmes is perfectly exemplified by Marcelina Fila, our Product & Marketing Manager. Marcelina was recognised for her exceptional contribution, not only for achieving a distinction in her Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship, but also for her dedication to actively championing and mentoring her team.

Marcelina serves as a dedicated role model and active challenger, fostering a culture of continuous professional growth. Her commitment to nurturing talent is evident across her team, which includes colleagues currently undertaking Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships and those who joined via post-graduate schemes. She champions the value that enhanced skills and learning bring directly back to the business.

Over the last seven months, Marcelina has moved into a strategic role, managing two departments. She is advancing growth by transitioning our marketing focus from a traditional sales and technical approach to a solution-based strategy. This work involves collaboration on new product development, market strategy, and breaking into new sectors, leading collaboration with our sister companies and parent, The Fagerhult Group. Marcelina's recognition shows the significant contribution she delivers for Whitecroft.

Marcelina says, “I’m incredibly proud to receive this award and represent Whitecroft Lighting. It’s a real honour to be recognised at this level, especially alongside such inspiring organisations and individuals. This achievement reflects the amazing support I’ve had from my colleagues and the opportunities Whitecroft has given me to grow and challenge myself. I’m excited to see what’s next, and fingers crossed for the finals in November!”

Royal Air Force Skills Champion of the Year Award

Learning and Development Officer, Warren Young, is the backbone of the success and growth of Whitecroft's apprentice programme. With 23 years of experience in learning and development and a proven track record of actively engaging with the local community, Warren brought a wealth of knowledge to Whitecroft, when he joined us 3 years ago. He came with established and strong connections with local colleges and schools across the Tameside area, which have significantly elevated the apprentice experience within the business and successfully driven efforts to encourage new skill development.

Warren’s inspirational and welcoming nature encourages young people to take their first steps into the industry. His dedication is often framed through his humour, being able to connect and give value to the students and apprentices he welcomes.

He champions strategic initiatives like school safaris, which are designed to 'plant the seed' of career potential. He raises awareness of the skills and subjects needed, prompting students who might not have considered their next steps after secondary school or college to actively think about their future careers much earlier. Warren’s 'can-do' attitude ensures his apprentices are fully engaged with their training, providing them with constant support and growing the next generation of industry experts for Whitecroft.

Warren’s vision for skills development is clear: “As a business, we have really pushed apprenticeships. We're now looking at T Levels; we're looking at work placements. There's some great talent out there, and we need to get hold of them. We bond with schools; I'm constantly talking to colleges. We're working together to get the best we can out of the curriculum, which suits the skills that everybody requires. As I said, there are some fantastic students out there. And the more we back them, the more we support them, the better off the Northwest will be.”

Warren's outstanding commitment and visionary approach are inspirational to the entire Whitecroft team. His dedication to encouraging personal and professional growth has been instrumental in Whitecroft securing all three major awards. We are incredibly proud to have him championing skills development within our business and the wider Northwest community.

Next stop, London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel for the national finals!

Explore Whitecroft Ignite, start your lighting journey today!

https://www.whitecroftlighting.com/about/whitecroft-ignite-learning-and-development/

Or speak with Warren: Warren.Young@Whitecroftlight.com