It’s a hat-trick for Go North East at the Edge Awards 2018

The region’s largest bus company, Go North East, has won three awards recognising its dedication to developing a skilled workforce through apprenticeships at Gateshead College’s annual Edge Awards.

The award-winning bus operator celebrated winning Large Employer of the Year, following two nominations for its strong level of commitment to apprentices. Announcing the operator’s win, Gateshead College said: “Go North East are committed to developing new talent through apprenticeships, with many of their senior managers having gone through the apprenticeship route. They are very forward thinking in their approach to apprenticeships with a genuine focus on career progression for each trainee.”

Mechanical engineering apprentice Joseph Franchi won the Automotive Apprentice of the Year title whilst customer service operator, Sarah Cooper took home Customer Service Apprentice of the Year at the awards ceremony. Both Go North East team members have excelled within the company and impressed senior colleagues.

Colin Barnes, head of engineering at Go North East collected an accolade. He said: “As the region’s third largest employer, we have a responsibility to provide local young people with the opportunity to build sustainable careers. Our unique engineering apprenticeship is helping to achieve this by equipping trainees with the tools and support needed to succeed at each stage of their learning, as well as future-proofing their skills.

“To be recognised by Gateshead College for our innovative approach to nurturing new talent, while simultaneously combatting the skills deficit in the bus and coach industry, and our region is a fantastic achievement.”