WORCESTERSHIRE Apprenticeships’ very own penguin in the great Waddle of Worcester has found a home with local training provider GLP Training.
In the summer of 2024, St Richard’s Hospice delivered the great Waddle of Worcester, a penguin-themed art trail around the city.
The Worcestershire Apprenticeships programme was one of the sculpture sponsors for great Waddle of Worcester with their penguin, ‘Kingsley’, painted by artist Amy Bourbon.
As part of the great Waddle of Worcester, the Worcestershire Apprenticeships team arranged a series of ‘waddles’ with current and former apprentices, higher, further and independent training providers and local employers, with the aim to showcase the local support around apprenticeships whilst also supporting the great Waddle of Worcester.
Worcestershire Apprenticeships is a programme delivered by the Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and acts as an impartial brand to give apprenticeships the prevalence they need in the education landscape.
The team work with all of the county’s further and higher education and independent training providers to promote and celebrate apprenticeships, with the ultimate goal of growing the number of apprentices in the county.
After the great Waddle came to an end, the penguin sculptures were auctioned off and raised £330,000 for St Richard’s Hospice
At the auction, Kingsley, the Worcestershire Apprenticeships penguin, was bought by local independent training provider, GLP Training.
Francesca Gibbs, project manager for Worcestershire Apprenticeships at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Throughout the summer, alongside the Waddle, we worked to raise awareness of apprenticeships, encouraging individuals to explore them – whether they’re starting their career, looking to upskill, or considering a career change.
“Seeing our very own penguin, Kingsley, now residing with one of Worcestershire’s training providers is fantastic.
Gemma Parsons, CEO at GLP Training, said: “When the opportunity arose to support the incredible work of St Richard’s Hospice while also giving Kingsley a new home, it was an easy decision for us.
“Kingsley now proudly resides on the third floor of our new city centre training facility, bringing a smile to both staff and students every day.”
