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Celebrating Success: Our Apprentice Wins Outstanding Apprentice of the Year!
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We're so proud to share our Business Administration Apprentice, Aiden, has been named Outstanding Apprentice of the Year by training provider, Access Training!
Aiden (Centre) receiving his reward, with Deputy Shop Manager/Warehouse and Volunteer Coordinator Brett (Right)
We’re delighted to share that our apprentice, Aiden, has been named Outstanding Apprentice of the Year at Access Training’s annual awards ceremony in Gateshead this December.
The award recognises Aiden’s dedication, growth, and outstanding contribution during his Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, which he is completing through Access Training while working with us at Foundations Furniture, our community furniture charity in Gateshead.
Aiden’s Apprenticeship Journey
Aiden joined us in the summer and quickly became an important part of our team. His positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic have made a real impression across the charity.
"Aiden joined our project a short while ago and very quickly proved to be a great asset by showing initiative and an eagerness to learn." (Eric Hall, Shop Manager, Foundations)
Through his apprenticeship, Aiden has gained hands-on experience in business administration. From booking free collections for our furniture donors, through to leading on social media pages for our new Vintage Vault shop, he has approached every challenge with enthusiasm and professionalism.
Making a Difference at Foundations
In just a few months, Aiden has made a huge impact. He communicates daily with our beneficiaries and furniture donors over the phone, on social media and in person, helping ensure smooth collections and deliveries. He has also taken the lead on our social media pages and website for both Foundations Furniture and our vintage furniture shop, Vintage Vault.
Aiden has recently qualified as a Mental Health First Aider too, showing real commitment to supporting others both within our team and among the people we serve. His initiative and kindness embody the values that drive Foundations Furniture every day.
Recognition at the Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony in December brought together apprentices and their employers, and Access Training, to celebrate success.
During the event, Aiden was presented with a trophy for Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, recognising his achievements and the positive contribution he’s made in such a short time.
Aiden reflected on the award and his apprenticeship journey:
"I feel like I'm progressing very well at Foundations. I'm learning a lot of life lessons, like how to change an electrical plug, to career lessons such as managing social media and customers. It's definitely a place where I have learned in my role. I felt very surprised when I got the email and felt very honoured. I couldn't believe I was chosen! It was a great feeling when everyone at Foundations was happy for me and helped me gain the reward. When I was at the ceremony I was overwhelmed with the amount of support from Access Training and had Brett there to support me through everything, as I was nervous and excited. The ceremony was great and, in the end, none of it could have happened if it weren't for Foundations."
Access Training, speaking of Aiden and his achievements so far and the celebration day, said:
"Your success reflects not only your technical ability, but also your professionalism, resilience, and the positive impact you have made within your organisation. Recognition at this level is truly well-deserved, and you should feel incredibly proud of what you have accomplished. This will be a wonderful opportunity to recognise your accomplishments, meet fellow award recipients, and enjoy an afternoon dedicated to celebrating your achievements."
Even at the celebration lunch, Aiden continued to show how dedicated he is to his role, and how much he values the work of the charity. Brett Routledge, Deputy Shop Manager and Warehouse and Volunteer Coordinator said:
"The event went very well and Aiden expressed how he was proud to receive this recognition. After the awards ceremony, Aiden took the opportunity to tell attendees about the work of Foundations, how much he enjoyed his job and expressed his satisfaction doing work for the charity. He explained the process of donating items of furniture, white goods and electricals and how we supply these items to those in need. Many took the contact details of the charity and Aiden promised to send a copy of our leaflets."
Looking Ahead
Aiden’s journey with us is only just beginning. As he continues his apprenticeship, we’re excited to see him build on his achievements and develop new skills that will serve him well in his future career.
At Foundations Furniture, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and make a difference in their community. Aiden’s success is a perfect example of how apprenticeships can make a positive difference for the individual and for the organisation.
Follow Our Journey
Keep up to date with our latest news and stories by following Foundations Furniture and new store Vintage Vault on social media. We’re always sharing updates on our community projects, pre-loved furniture, and the amazing people behind the scenes who make it all happen.
