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By George – what a week!

February 13, 2026 | Comments Off on By George – what a week! |

This week we have been celebrating National Apprenticeship Week (Find out more #NAW2026)

Something big this way comes….but you will need to read on!

It started with a top trio…

We started by bigging up 3 Oaklea/Right2Work Apprentices

  • Niamh – she came through the ranks via the Oaklea Apprentice Academy & Kendal College and is now a core part of our South Lakes Care team)
  • Paige – she currently works with us in County Durham and as part of the Oaklea Apprentice Academy is studying her social care element through East Durham College in Peterlee)
  • George – he is doing a property maintenance qualification through Kendal College and is our Apprentice at Right2Work CIC Community Works

George has been fired up all week!

You will discover why as you scroll on…..

Earlier this week George started by damping down expectation – he was on fire training! Then on Thursday night he was one of the people invited to an event to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week at Kendal College.

Something to add to the collection!

Roll of honour

It wasn’t just turning into a week to remember for George – across Oaklea Group we also lifted these awards at the event:

  • Alex Williams (Oaklea Registered manager, South Lakes) – L5 Apprentice of the Year 2026 winner
  • Bob Parkinson (NE Oaklea Team Manager, Consett) – Resilience Award runner up
  • George Ireland (Community Works) – Innovation Champion Winner
  • Sally Pattison (Right2Work) – Future Leader Award Winner

“We’re incredibly proud of our colleagues who have been recognised at the Kendal College Apprenticeship Awards. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to continuous learning truly reflect the talent and ambition within our teams. This recognition is so well deserved, and we’re delighted to celebrate their achievements and the positive example they set for others. Congratulations to you all!” Alex Wolfenden, Director, Oaklea

Cheers all round -Alex and Alex!

Big thanks to our partners at Kendal College for organising the event….

George with Katie Roe – Apprentice facilitator at Kendal College -and Jim Green from Community Works

Right, lets shake on that and head back to doing what we do best….

Oh before we go – before you ask – More info

You can find out more about Oaklea Apprentice Academy here https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/progressing-at-oaklea/

Community Works (George & Jim!) https://www.right2work.org.uk/community-works/

Kendal College Apprenticeships https://kendal.ac.uk/apprenticeships

East Durham College https://edc.ac.uk/apprentices

Where are we based?

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