Joanna scooped gold at just 23 as part of the Women’s Team Pursuit, and this inspirational young athlete will be sharing the highs and lows of her journey at the Awards event on November 21.
Talent-spotted at 15, she has enjoyed a glittering career – but also overcome injuries, financial challenges and hair loss due to alopecia. Joanna is a sparkling example of what young people can achieve – which is especially apt as the Awards Dinner is raising funds for the ITP’s brand new Apprenticeship Scheme.
Joanna will be on hand as two of the rising stars of telecoms get their own ‘podium moment’ as winners of the Apprentice of the Year categories, as well as presenting the brand new Mentor of the Year Award.
The night will feature a keynote speech from John Chudley of the National Apprenticeship, a champagne reception, dinner, live music, and a Vegas-themed ‘fun money’ casino. It will also give guests the chance to mingle with colleagues from across the industry – the perfect networking night out in a relaxed environment.
Money raised goes to their new Apprenticeship Scheme – offering young people like Joanna their chance to shine, and allowing businesses of all sizes to reap the rewards of their very own apprentices. Greeted as great news for the industry, the scheme has received fantastic support from employers and organisations such as the NAS and the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.
Joanna says: “I became a World Champion when I was just 19 years old - but that is only because I received the support and training I needed at an early age, allowing me to make the most of my opportunity. I am really excited to be supporting the ITP's new Apprenticeship Scheme, which will encourage young people in their careers.”
Ann Potterton, CEO of the ITP, added: “We are thrilled to have Joanna with us for our Annual Awards Dinner. She has a great story to tell, and will be helping us to offer young people in the UK the chance to go for gold in their careers.”
The new ITP Apprenticeship Scheme has been devised by employers, for employers, in direct response to industry need. It offers an affordable way for businesses big and small to take on apprentices with a minimum of stress. The scheme offers telecoms-specific training up to Level 3, designed to be responsive to each individual client’s business needs. It was created and will be operated by the ITP, which has been the independent voice of telecoms professionals for more than a century.
The ITP Annual Awards Dinner takes place on November 21 at the Victoria Park Plaza tickets cost £79. The next 30 people to book their tickets will also receive an exclusive invitation to ITP’s Apprenticeship Scheme Launch, on the 34th floor of BT Tower in March 2013.