Ultra wins “Apprentice of the Year 2007” award for the second time in three years

28 March 2007

Further proof of the quality of Ultra's Apprenticeship provision came in the shape of a second Apprentice of the Year award in three years. Robert Keast, a Retail Apprentice from Simpsons Brothers in Truro, was awarded the coveted accolade at the University of Plymouth on Wednesday 28 March 2007.

Robert, whose dedication and hard work over nearly eight years to achieve a string of qualifications, was recognised as Devon and Cornwall's top Apprentice after a unanimous decision by the high powered judging panel. The award also reflects the tremendous support provided by his employers Simpsons Brothers Ltd, one of the highest quality outfitters in the South West.

Robert joined Simpsons, following a recommendation from an Ultra Assessor, in July 1999 as a trainee retail assistant and has worked his way up to a senior position where he regularly deputises for branch managers. During his eight years with the family firm Robert has completed qualifications in Retail Operations and Customer Service at Levels 2 and 3. Robert is now undertaking a Level 4 Management qualification with Ultra and has ambitions to become a full branch manager in the not too distant future.

In 2005 Ultra's Caroline Shear was awarded the Apprentice of the Year award after achieving an impressive array of Care related qualifications. Caroline progressed from Ultra to Higher Education and a Diploma of Nursing at Plymouth University.