York apprentice of the year winner works for Minster FM

Apprentices from across York graduated on Tuesday 27 November at the eighth annual apprenticeship awards ceremony at the Grand Opera House.

York Apprentice of the Year 2018  Under 25 (Smaller Employer) is Natasha Palmer – Digital Content Apprentice at Minster FM and has completed an Advanced Level 3 Digital Marketing qualification with 3aaas

After receiving the award, Natasha said:  “I was thrilled to be nominated for this award and I am astounded that I won, as the standard of all the nominees was amazing. I have an incredible time working at Minster FM, they give me so many opportunities and are so supportive. I am already working towards my Level 4 Qualification and I cannot thank Minster FM and my tutor Rebecca enough. Choosing an apprenticeship has been one of the best decisions of my life and I cannot recommend it enough.”

York Apprentice of the Year 2018  Under 25 (Larger Employer)  was Calum Finn – Process Engineering Apprentice at Nestlé and has completed an Advanced Electrical & Mechanical Engineering qualification with York College

Apprentices received scrolls from The Guilds of York for completing their apprenticeship training and qualifications and proudly walked across the stage to loud applause from the 300 strong audience of family, friends and employers.

The ceremony included inspirational key note speeches from FERA Science Ltd, winner of the York Large Employer of the Year 2017. Laura Faulkner, Assistant Scientist and Apprentice Graduate 2017 talked about her on-going career journey towards a degree apprenticeship with York St John University and Andrew Swift, CEX, talked about the importance of attracting, developing and retaining talent to support the growth of FERA.

Following the presentation of the scrolls, the ceremony moved on to the prestigious York Apprenticeship Awards which recognise the outstanding qualities, achievements, commitment and progression of both individual apprentices and their employers.

Winners for the five categories were selected by the independent panel following a high number of quality nominations.

A full list of award winners can be viewed by clicking here

Huge 258 apartment conversion planned for empty Nestle factory

Nearly 10 years after the Almond and Cream production blocks at the Nestle/Rowntree site fell empty, plans to turn the building into residential accommodation look set to get the go ahead next week.

The planning committee is being recommended to approve the conversion of the building and as action the erection of a nearby “convenience store”. There will be 37 x 1 bedroom, 205 x 2 bedroom and 16 x 3 bedroom apartments.

5 affordable units will be provided (off site)

Imaginative plans would see the Grade 2 listed library building converted into communal use.

The conversion will make it one of the largest brownfield residential development in the city and should reduce the pressure to build on greenfield sites.

However only 173 car parking spaces are being provided meaning many of the flat dwellers will have to forgo private car ownership (or use a car club). With visitor parking also required we do doubt whether this arrangement will work.

Council officials are suggesting that the first occupiers are offered the following measures/initiatives to promote and incentivise sustainable travel whilst also reducing dependence on the private car;

  • The choice to first occupiers of either a free bus pass or cycle/cycle accessories to the maximum value of £200
  • A contribution of £200 per residential unit to be used towards the provision of a car club vehicle at the development and incentives including free membership and drive time credits per residential unit.

The Council still talks about the vehicular link from Haxby Rd to Wigginton Rd – of which this projects access road would be part – as a public transport link. Many will feel that such a new link could provide more general congestion and pollution relief for the area.

Nevertheless, it presents a bold move forward in addressing the demand for new housing in the City and one that we hope planners will grasp