Apprentice was finalist in Chamber business awards

AN apprentice working for Widnes Vikings, who has helped improve the lives of local young people, has been recognised for his efforts at the Halton Business Awards.

James Owen, 18, was a finalist in the Apprentice Of The Year category at the event on Friday, which was supported by Halton Chamber Of Commerce And Enterprise.

James is an employee of the Vikings Sports Foundation, the Super League club’s charity. He developed his role as part of a two year apprenticeship supported by the Club’s education partners, Riverside College.

In his role, the lifelong Widnes Vikings fan helps deliver a host of community projects, including Game Changer - a groundbreaking programme that sees the Vikings work with primary schools across Halton, promoting better activity and nutrition.

He has also assisted initiatives that support people with care needs and delivered rugby league coaching. The Halton Business Awards took place on May 12.

James Owen, says: “It was a great surprise and honour to learn that I have been shortlisted for this award. Undertaking an apprenticeship with the Vikings, the club that I have supported all my life, has been a great experience.

“I’m very proud that my efforts have been recognised with this nomination.”

Richard Munson, Community Director at Widnes Vikings, said: “James is talented, dedicated and passionate about his role, so he is well deserving of this recognition. Working for the Vikings, James has made a big difference in local schools and with our community partners.

“He’s a fantastic representative of apprenticeships and should be proud of this success.”