We are absolutely thrilled that ACE Training has been named the winner of the Inspiring Future Employer Award at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025!
This award is a huge honour and a proud moment for our entire team. While our core focus is on delivering high-quality construction training and apprenticeships, this recognition celebrates something we care deeply about which is our commitment to inspiring, empowering, and supporting the next generation across Oxfordshire.
At ACE, we believe that building futures starts long before an apprenticeship begins. That’s why we work closely with schools and colleges to deliver meaningful, inclusive, and engaging careers enrichment activities that open doors for young people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Over the last year, our small but passionate team supported over 35 careers events, including:
- Careers and Apprenticeship Fairs
- Mock Interviews
- Human Library sessions
- Post-16 Options Talks
- Soft Skills & Employability Workshops
Our aim is always the same: to meet learners where they are and help them see where they could go.
A key driver of this work is Gemma Scrivener, our Marketing & Communications Manager and a dedicated Enterprise Adviser for both The Bicester School and Whitelands Academy. Gemma also supports other schools across the county in an agile role, using her expertise and network to bring exciting, impactful activities to life.
Her sessions don’t just inform, they also inspire. One standout example is the Year 8 workshop where students are challenged to design a fictional games console, not to test product ideas, but to develop key soft skills like teamwork, creativity, time management and communication. Students then reflect on their strengths and how they might use them in future education or work settings. It’s an activity where every learner can shine, regardless of academic level.
Our approach is rooted in connection, relevance and confidence-building, helping students understand their potential and equipping them with practical tools they can use in CVs, interviews, or even everyday school life.
Our work with schools has had a direct and positive impact. In 2024, we saw a marked increase in interest and enrolment on our Pre-Apprenticeship programmes, much of which can be linked to the relationships we’ve built through our school engagement. By showing up authentically, consistently, and enthusiastically then we’ve helped learners (and their families) see ACE as a trusted and supportive post-16 destination.
As Alison Rosier, Sixth Form Manager and Careers Adviser at The Bicester School, shared in her supporting statement:
“ACE Training provides an inclusive and supportive route into building trades… Gemma goes above and beyond to support our school in her capacity as an Enterprise Adviser, using her valuable experience in communications to help devise inspiring and enriching careers activities. She is always enthusiastic in her approach, which in turn has a wonderfully positive effect on our staff and students.”
To be recognised at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards alongside so many brilliant businesses and individuals is incredibly special. We are exceptionally proud to take this award back to our centre and will continue to champion opportunities for young people whenever and wherever we can.
We would also like to thank Enterprise Oxfordshire Skills, the organisers of the awards, for shining a light on the importance of employer engagement in education and for giving a platform to the incredible work happening across our county.
Read the feature article by Mel Ringer from the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards
