Gateshead based technology provider Smart IT are celebrating the success of William Gallon, who was announced as the overall winner of the North East Rising Star Apprentice Award during the online ceremony this week. The Rising Star category of the National Apprenticeship Awards seeks to identify apprentices that have made impressive progress in their career to date and have the potential to go even further. All Rising Star entrants are nominated by their employer.
William tells us about the surprise of winning The Rising Star Award.
“I was shocked but happy to win such a big award as The Rising Star award for the North East. This past 18 months has been difficult for everyone but to be recognised for the work which I do was a great pleasure and achievement. The award may be an individual award however the effort Smart IT invest into their apprenticeship programmes made it possible for me to be nominated.”
William has been awarded the North East region’s Rising Star award as part of the National Apprenticeship Awards. The next step that William is hoping for is to be shortlisted to represent the North East in the National final on the 1st December. Regional winners will automatically be shortlisted for the national. This shortlist will then undergo a rigorous second tier of judging where the national finalists will be selected.
William joined Smart IT as a Business Administration apprentice within the fast-paced Telecoms Division. He made an immediate impact; quickly progressing within the organisation. His hard work and dedication were recognised and in November 2020 after completing his apprenticeship, William gained promotion to Provisioning Supervisor.
Jon Proud, Operations Director at Smart IT, said:
“We’re delighted to see William winning the North East Rising Star Award, he deserves this fantastic recognition. William has made significant progress since starting his career as an apprentice with Smart IT, he’s a great success story for our apprenticeship scheme. In a short time, William has advanced within the organisation, it is rare for an apprentice to be promoted to a supervisory role so quickly. “
William Gallon, Smart IT, North East Rising Star commented:
“My apprenticeships has given me lots of opportunities and I have learnt a lot of new skills which I would not have learnt if I went to University. Whilst completing my apprenticeship I have developed my understanding of new areas of the business from accounts to the telecoms department which is where I am now based. The passion for what I do and working as part of a team has allowed me to thrive.”
The shortlist for the National Apprenticeship Awards 2021 – Rising Star will be announced on the 12th November
