[BTEC Awards 2018]
[BTEC Apprenticeships 16-18 of the Year 2018]
[Ryan Kenny]
My name is Ryan Kenny and I was studying the level 3 advanced apprenticeship in IT and
Communications. So I was 11 when I started pursuing IT and ultimately falling in love
with computer technology, just tap away spending summers, blinds closed, coding and building
applications and games. I wanted to build software that made a difference. When I first
arrived at Stanley Black & Decker when I was 15 years old, I was partnered up with Russell
Lodge.
Russell Lodge - Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement Manager, Stanley Engineering Fastening
I met Ryan through an employee partnership initiative. The excitement working and buzzing
and bouncing off each other and the balance between someone who has that technical ability
within a software solution and combine that with many years of experience, the results
have just been amazing.
Ryan Kenny
Right from the get-go, we started off working on a training and succession planning system,
Centurion, that enables Stanley to use a digital solution to track and monitor employee training
and progression within the business.
Russell Lodge
We have an ageing workforce. Apprenticeships are definitely the way forward. Using an apprentice
to design an apprentice-planning tool is just a fantastic achievement.
Lisa Liddy - Director Apprenticeships and Commercial Development, Warrington and Vale
Royal College
It's very important for us as a college that when we are looking at apprenticeship programmes,
we bespoke that to those needs, so the needs of the employer and also the needs of the
learner as well. So we were really proud to have him as our shining example really and
I'm hoping that will encourage more employers to take on apprentices in the future.
Ryan Kenny
Choosing to do a BTEC apprenticeship has been massive in getting me where I am today, and
especially part of the BTEC apprenticeship is you're getting the experience in the workplace.
At the same time, you're getting all the academics. So you're in the classroom, you're learning
the theoretical and then while you're learning that theoretical you're applying it in your
workplace.
Tim Evans - Curriculum Manager: IT, Warrington and Vale Royal College
First impressions of Ryan were fantastic. He was keen, enthusiastic, wanted to learn.
He's a perfectionist. He always wanted to improve. On one assignment he was awarded
a merit and the first thing he said is, 'How can I get a distinction? I want to get a distinction.'
That was his target and his aim and he achieved it.
Ryan Kenny
There was a company wide award scheme called 'Make the World.' The HR manager put me forward
for the award and then they announced it, and it was just awesome. I was totally speechless.
People have told me, 'Ryan you need to slow down a little bit. You need to slow down.
You're going to burn out. You're going to burn out' but I just say, 'No, I want to keep
going. I want to keep going.' In ten years' time, I'd like to be pushing the boundaries
of digital excellence.
Nichola Newton - Principal and Chief Executive, Warrington and Vale Royal College
We are very proud of Ryan not just because of his skill and talent that he's shown. Ryan
exemplifies the very best of what apprentices can do.
Lisa Spencer- Apprentice Coach: IT, Warrington and Vale Royal College
I nominated Ryan for the award because I knew how good he was. He deserved it above any
other student I have ever had. He's got distinctions on all of his tech certs. He finished his
NVQ within 12 months when I gave him a two-year end date. I didn't think when I first signed
him up it was possible for such a young student to be able to do programming at such a high
standard. He's worked so hard for it. He can go anywhere.
Tim Evans - Curriculum Manager: IT, Warrington and Vale Royal College
We come to work every day. We love seeing learners' progress. We love seeing them achieve
and the achievement that Ryan's done this year is testament to not only himself but
the team and the hard work and effort that we've put in collectively. This will have
a huge impact on his future.
Russell Lodge - Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement Manager, Stanley Engineering Fastening
I'm very proud. Ryan is committed. He's very professional. He is very switched on. The
world is at his feet and I really truly believe that Ryan will do great things and have a
fantastic career.
Ryan Kenny
When I found out about winning this award I was blown away. I just see myself doing
what I love, truly living my dream and to find out that I'd been recognised it's been
phenomenal.
[BTEC Awards 2018]
[Winner]
[music playing]
[Pearson]
[Always learning]