Double awards success for Flintshire father and daughter team

A Flintshire father and daughter are celebrating after both winning top honours at the North Wales Work-Based Learning Awards.

Lola Morris, a Playworker in Flintshire County Council’s Play Development team, was named Childcare Apprentice of the Year at the ceremony at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

Cheering her on was her father – and manager – Darren Morris, Lead Officer for Play Development, who himself picked up the Work Based Learning Employer of the Year award.

The awards are put on each year by Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, and coincide with National Apprenticeship Week. They celebrate the achievements of those who are developing their careers through workplace learning and apprenticeships, and the employers who support them.

Lola, who has recently completed her Level 2 in Playwork and is now working towards Level 3, was recognised for her commitment to learning and her ability to apply newly gained knowledge to her practice.

Lola’s training provider Achieve More Training said in her nomination: “Her growing sense of purpose, willingness to learn, and dedication to creating positive and meaningful play opportunities make her an inspiring role model for other apprentices.”

Meanwhile the Play Development team, led by Darren, was recognised for creating a culture where apprentices feel safe to be honest about challenges, stretch themselves, and grow in confidence.

Darren said:

“I felt incredibly privileged just to be nominated for the Employer of the Year Award, but to win was the icing on the cake.

“It’s a real acknowledgment of the support, guidance, and opportunities we invest in developing our staff, including making the most of apprenticeship pathways with providers such as Achieve More Training.

“To be nominated alongside Lola made it even more special.

“I’m immensely proud of her achievements winning the Childcare Apprentice of the Year Award, just as I am of the achievements of every member of our team.”

Lola added:

“I want to say a big thank you to my assessor Chloe Gibson who helped me accomplish my apprenticeship and for putting me forward for this award, and I’d also like to thank my dad and Line Manager Darren Morris who encouraged me to do this apprenticeship. Celebrating this achievement together makes it even more meaningful.”

Busnes@LlandrilloMenai

... delivers work-based learning, apprenticeships and professional training within Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

Pictured - Darren Morris, Lead Officer for Play Development, and Lola Morris, a Playworker in Flintshire County Council’s Play Development team.