Award-winning apprentice James Colver is celebrating securing not one but two prestigious accolades in recognition of his achievements while studying for his management degree.
James was named the Leicestershire Business Awards’ Apprentice of the Year and received the Make UK Apprentice Endeavour Award for overcoming the odds and thriving in his studies despite what was a challenging time personally.
He said: “In October 2021 I got married, lost both of my grandmas and got a new job all at the same time, so it’s safe to say I’ve been through a lot over the course of the apprenticeship. I then also lost my grandad in September; I hope I’ve made them proud, as they’re my driving force behind my success.”
James, who is a star student on De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, is a quality section manager at Caterpillar UK Ltd, based in Desford.
The Make UK Manufacturing Awards is a high-profile event, providing a platform to exchange best practices, recognise ground-breaking innovations and celebrate the success of apprentices and organisations in the manufacturing and engineering sector. In particular, the Apprentice Endeavour Award recognises individuals designed to honour an apprentice who, in the face of adverse circumstances, has shown remarkable dedication and resilience in their apprenticeship. James stood out among nominees for his ability to excel in their role despite navigating family bereavement and personal health setbacks while managing demanding work and academic commitments.
In addition to his success at the Make UK Awards, James received the Leicestershire Business Award for Apprentice of the Year. This recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to Caterpillar (UK) Ltd, particularly his efforts to develop awareness and understanding of neurodiverse conditions, promoting a more inclusive workplace.
This marks the first time a DMU apprentice has won a Leicestershire Business Award, and James was thrilled and pleasantly surprised to take home the top honour.
James said, “Winning this award means a lot to me- it’s a recognition of the hard work I’ve put in over the past three years, not just from my peers and colleagues, but also from other businesses, industry professionals, and the sponsors of the awards”
The degree apprenticeship programme at DMU played a pivotal role in James’ success, providing the foundation for their growth both professionally and personally. Through a combination of hands-on learning at Caterpillar Ltd (UK) Ltd and academic learning at DMU, James gained critical skills in areas such as business strategy, operations, financial management and leadership.
The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) at De Montfort University (DMU) is designed for aspiring managers looking to enhance their leadership skills while earning a degree and gaining valuable workplace experience.
Talking about the apprenticeship, James said: “I’ve always been a strong advocate for apprenticeships. They not only provide technical knowledge but also offer practical, real-world experience that makes you more attractive to employers. As a manager, I value the ability to apply learning from day one. It’s fantastic that these awards exist to recognise the hard work involved in apprenticeships, which truly are a steep but rewarding learning curve."
Felicity Williams, Senior Lecturer in Workplace Learning and Development who teaches James on the course, said: “James’ achievements are a shining example of resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of work-based learning. Throughout his apprenticeship, he has demonstrated remarkable determination to overcome personal challenges while excelling both academically and professionally.”
“His double award success is testament to his unwavering commitment to personal growth and the exceptional skills he has developed through the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship programme. James embodies what we strive to achieve at DMU - empowering our students to drive change, inspire innovation, and to make a lasting impression on their industries. We couldn't be prouder of his achievements and the bright future that lies ahead for him.”
Looking ahead, James is excited to continue building on his achievements and making a lasting impact in the industry. With recognition from the Make UK Award and Leicestershire Business Award, he is focused on using his expertise to continue advancing in his career.
“I started the degree apprenticeship as a team leader, and since then, I’ve taken on various roles, including a two-year secondment as a section manager across two departments. My next goal is securing a salaried position and using the skills and achievements from my degree and awards to demonstrate that I’m the right person to become a senior quality manager- that’s the ultimate aim,” he said.
On successful completion of the programme, James will graduate with:
- A Level 6 Bachelor of Arts degree (BA Hons) in Business Management
- A Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA)
- Chartered Manager status (CMgr) through End Point Assessment with the CMI - the Chartered Management Institute.
The next cohort of the programme is due to start in October, with applications set to close in August. To find out more, click here.
Posted on Monday 20 January 2025