Influential BMet apprentice lecturer nominated for award win for “going the extra mile”

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

Stephen Whiting, who has also overcome challenges through his neurodiversity, was put forward for the “Training Provider Individual Award” – at this year’s prestigious regional Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards.

Being diagnosed with dyslexia in the 1970s – with auditory processes and visual impairment – as a child, meant that Stephen from an early age had to overcome many obstacles and attended a special educational needs school.  Rather than become defeated, his unique 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 the Covid lockdown, when he got apprentices back on track, after they had previously experienced a number of challenges.

Stephen was nominated for his continual and selfless work supporting apprentices. A highlight was during the Covid lockdown, when he welcomed additional apprentices to his MINI academy.

Taking on 16 extra apprentices including ones with additional needs, alongside his existing cohort of over 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.

Speaking of the situation, 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.

Speaking of his nomination, he 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!”

All of Stephen’s team, are extremely happy that he has been nominated for the award. Karl Ronan, Head of Centre, at Plant Oxford, expressed: “It is fantastic for Stephen to be recognised for the work he does, as he is selfless, has a fantastic work ethic and truly makes a difference.

“He certainly goes over and above his day job to make sure that apprentices achieve, so it is all truly deserved!”

Ria Poliquin, Apprenticeship Scheme Coordinator at The Science and Technology Facilities Council, who nominated Stephen added: “Stephen is also very open about having dyslexia and uses his own experiences to support our apprentices who have dyslexia.

“He ensures he adapts his communication and delivery style to support learners and helps them understand that dyslexia is no barrier to their apprenticeships or the engineering world. Stephen leads by example and does not shy away from tough challenges.

“We see apprentices that work with Stephen not only develop into great engineering technicians but also leave their apprenticeship work-ready.”

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2022 is taking place on Thursday 19 May at a special live virtual ceremony. You can find out more about the apprenticeships offered at BMet on our website.

BMet is a leading apprenticeship provider.   Find out more about the apprenticeships that BMet delivers for employers here.