On Thursday 19 September 2024, Grundon’s Learning & Development team proudly hosted the company’s first-ever “Grundon Graduation”, celebrating our successful apprentices from the past 12 months.
The graduation kicked off with a warm welcome as apprentices, their managers, and the Board of Directors gathered for drinks and nibbles. It was a chance for everyone to catch up and celebrate their collective achievements.
Addisen Gregory, Learning & Development Coordinator, opened the day with a heartfelt speech. Addisen, who has been instrumental in supporting the apprentices throughout their journey, expressed his pride in their growth, both personally and professionally. Reflecting on their hard work, he commended their dedication to balancing work, personal commitments, and apprenticeship requirements.
A highlight of the day was the certificate presentation by Clayton Sullivan-Webb, Managing Director. Each apprentice received their certificate, a personalised apprenticeship lanyard, and a bespoke “Apprenticeship Graduation” hi-vis as a token of their accomplishment. Clayton’s speech that followed was filled with admiration and praise for the cohort.
“It’s a real pleasure to be here today,” Clayton began. “This is our first Grundon Graduation, and what an event Addisen has put on for all of us – so, firstly, thank you, Addi.
“Secondly, well done to you all. I appreciate how challenging it can be to take on an apprenticeship while working full-time and juggling responsibilities at home, but you’ve all risen to the occasion. To hear that every apprentice here today not only passed but so many of you have passed with distinction is truly outstanding. Grundon’s distinction rate is well above the national average, and for that, you should be immensely proud.”
Clayton Sullivan-Webb
Managing Director
Following the awards ceremony, apprentices and guests enjoyed a well-deserved break as a pizza van arrived to serve a delicious lunch. The afternoon was filled with laughter and camaraderie, as apprentices, managers, and directors celebrated together.
Speaking at the event, Carla Hayden, Technical Transport Coordinator at Ewelme said: “It’s been lovely to reunite with my fellow apprentices. Because we all work at different sites in different roles, it’s not often we get to see each other, so to come together to celebrate our collective achievements has been very fun.
“Although we’ve all been on this journey together, each of our journeys have been different and whenever there were hurdles in the road, we all supported each other in ways we probably didn’t even realise at the time. So, for me it’s just great that we’ve been able to ‘graduate’ together.”
Congratulations to all our graduates!
- Chris Double, Level 5 Operational Management
- Carla Hayden, Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor
- James Luckett, Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor
- Sam Eastwood, Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor
- Tracey Hipkin, Level 3 Business Administration
- Julie Miklos-Denton, Level 2 Facilities Management
- Will Lucas, Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor
- Cally Campbell, Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor
- Charlie Holtom, Level 3 Business Administration
- Henry Hawkins, Level 3 Business Administration
- Stanley Bunker, Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor