Apprentice lecturer recognised for 'going the extra mile '

A kind-hearted lecturer and training assessor at BMet College has been nominated for going the extra mile, through his dedication to helping apprentices reach their goals.

Stephen Whiting (pictured), who is based at the MINI Plant Oxford, has also overcome challenges through his neurodiversity.

He was put forward for the 'Training Provider Individual Award ' - at this year 's regional Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards.

Being diagnosed with dyslexia in the 1970s - with auditory processes and visual impairment - meant that Stephen from an early age had to overcome many obstacles and attended a special educational needs school.

But experiences in fact spurned him on to excel in life and help others along the way.

His official recommendation came from one of the college 's partner employers, The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), who work with BMet 's apprentices.

Stephen was nominated for his continual and selfless work supporting apprentices.

A particular highlight was during lockdown, when he got apprentices back on track, after they had previously experienced a number of challenges.

Taking on 16 extra apprentices including those with additional needs, alongside his existing cohort of more than 50 learners at the BMW Group, was a milestone achievement for Stephen.

As well as successfully moving all his delivery online, Stephen made a long-term “results driven ” plan for each apprentice and the employer.

Stephen said: “The apprentices came to BMet in need of real help and support to continue with their apprenticeships and to be able to achieve their end point assessments.

“It was quite a huge challenge for me to get them to where they needed to be, but I was determined, as I did not want anyone to fail.

“Much of the sessions were conducted remotely to add to the already huge challenge, but I am pleased to say that all the apprentices passed their Development Phase and EPA 's! ”

Stephen feels that he owes a huge amount of his success to his father, Terence who had a huge desire for his son to succeed in life.

Terence provided him with a huge opportunity that kick-started Stephen 's life-changing positive experiences.

It started with him creating an apprenticeship for Stephen at Heinz, where he was the engineering director in 1985.

Doing his apprenticeship helped Stephen gain formal qualifications for the first time in his life.

As well as attending the company, to gain on the job training, he also studied night classes at Oxford College (for his level 2 & 3).

Stephen also gained a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Engineering at Oxford Polytechnic and became a fully qualified Maintenance Engineer, alongside obtaining his Cert Ed/PGCE professional teaching qualifications.

He later joined BMet, based at the MINI plant at Oxford - where he has made a significant impact to apprentices, staff and partners for the last four years.

With over 30 years industry experience, Stephen is also an equality and diversity champion for BMet College.

Stephen added: “I am speechless, as I have never experienced anything like this in my life! It demonstrates that no matter what background/issue/challenge one has, anything is possible!

“I work with such a great team and feel they play a vital role in helping me along my journey.

“It 's important to always put learners first and show them that anything is possible for them no matter their situation - and this nomination makes me feel recognised for this! ”

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2022 is taking place on Thursday 19 May at a special live virtual ceremony.