The King’s Award For Enterprise 2025 has been jointly presented to 2 organisations, recognising the success of the Careers for Young People (CfYP) Programme on the Isle of Wight.
The multi-award winning project was founded by the NHS with partner HTP Apprenticeship College in 2022. The programme offers 16- to 18-year-olds the chance to build a career in health and care on the Isle of Wight, including within the NHS.
The CFYP programme was honoured with the Kings Award for Enterprise, in the Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility) category, award in May. The official presentation of the two highly prestigious awards took place on Friday 5th December at Newport Minster.
The ceremony was led by Mrs Susie Sheldon, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, and the citation was read by Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs Claire Locke.
Lord-Lieutenant Sheldon, said:
“It is a real honour to present these awards today, on behalf of His Majesty The King, in recognition of some amazing work by these two brilliant organisations,”
“The Careers for Young People programme is a truly innovative example of social mobility, providing opportunity for a new generation of young people on the Island. It’s a real success story for the Isle of Wight and everyone should feel very proud. Congratulations to all the learners and staff at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and HTP Apprenticeship College.”
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The presentation took place in front of an invited audience, including learners who have been part of the programme since it began three years ago, many of whom have now progressed to full-time employment in the health-care sector on the Island. CFYP Apprentices Nell O’Brien and Roxy James spoke during the ceremony to reflect on the difference the programme has made to them.
Rachael Randall, founder of HTP Apprenticeship College.
“It’s been a wonderful day.
“To receive recognition from His Majesty The King for our work is incredible and it has been the high point of HTP’s 25th anniversary year. It’s the biggest honour we can achieve and I’m so proud of this programme and what it represents. The CFYP clearly demonstrates that Apprenticeships are the route to great careers and our Island young people have huge potential.”
Nicola Longson from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust thanked everyone for attending the presentation.
“It’s been key for us all to share this moment with our learners, staff and partners, the idea for the CFYP was always to ‘grow our own’ and to offer new opportunities for young people on the Island. The NHS and the wider healthcare sector is really benefiting by welcoming these talented young people into new roles, injecting energy and enthusiasm into our teams, and helping to improve outcomes for our local population. It’s a win for everyone, and today we’re celebrating our King’s Award for Enterprise. I am so proud of our progress, our staff and the young people we are supporting to build careers.”
