Businesses and students from across the region gathered for a major event at West Suffolk College on Friday evening (11 February 2022) to celebrate the impact and achievements of apprentices – as National Apprenticeships Week draws to a close (7th-11th Feb).
The first ever West Suffolk College Apprenticeships Awards took place at the College’s very own restaurant, ‘Edmunds’, on the Bury St Edmunds campus. Ten awards were given in honour of achievements and efforts by apprentices over the past year.
The ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award was given to Allison Charles from Basildon for her achievements at Basildon Hospital NHS Trust whilst working towards a Science Manufacturing Technician, Level 3 apprenticeship. In addition to being crowned the overall winner, Allison also received the Science and Dental Apprentice of the Year.
Allison Charles, 47, said: “It’s absolutely amazing to win these awards. It’s a new and challenging apprenticeship and I’m so grateful for the brilliant support I’ve had from the College. My programme lead, Amy Laflin, has been incredibly supportive and has personalised this experience for me. It’s never too late to start an apprenticeship and it’s a great route for all ages to grow new skills.”
Dr Nikos Savvas, the Principal of West Suffolk College and CEO of the Eastern Colleges Group, added: “Our apprentices are shaping the future of businesses and organisations and rewriting the script for what it means to be in Further Education. It’s been very special to celebrate some fantastic achievements with these awards and acknowledge those who have grasped opportunities with grit and determination. It’s also important to recognise where businesses go above and beyond to make apprenticeships really shine - investing time, resource and expertise.
“We’re seeing a higher number of applicants for apprenticeships and we’re now offering more, high calibre levels of training and building more connections with local businesses and organisations than ever before. By doing this we can fuel the economy and help local firms grow with fresh ideas and skills.”
The Executive Director of Business Development at West Suffolk College, Phil Stittle, said: “This event was set up to shine a light on some of the amazing businesses and individuals that we support through apprenticeships. It’s really important to recognise the growing number of apprenticeship training routes that we are now offering, and it’s great to hold these awards during National Apprenticeships Week to highlight their role.”
All awards were handed out by Doug Field OBE, the Joint Chief Executive of the East of England Co-Op. Mr Field said: “It was a privilege to present these awards to a group of people who have shone through and achieved some great things during their time as apprentices. They are a credit to West Suffolk College who have a brilliant track record of tailoring each apprenticeship and working closely with companies to enhance workplace experience and kickstart rewarding careers.”
Winners came from across the region
Cambridgeshire winners
Construction and Building Services Apprentice of the Year: Jordan Owen from Ely, Cambs – apprenticeship with Bentley Mechanical Services
Essex winners
Digital and IT Apprentice of the Year: Gemma Morgan from Little Yeldham, Cambs – apprenticeship with Suffolk Latch Company
Apprentice of Year and Science and Dental Apprentice of the Year: Allison Charles from Basildon, Essex – apprenticeship at Basildon Hospital NHS Trust.
Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year: Jade Russell from Basildon, Essex – apprenticeship with Basildon University Hospital
Suffolk winners
Engineering and Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year: Hannah Hayday from Stowmarket, Suffolk – apprenticeship with PPG Industries
Hairdressing and Barbering Apprentice of the Year: Oliver Norman from Elmswell, Suffolk – apprenticeship with MR Barbers
Early years and Childcare Apprentice of the Year: Alison Mathers from Brandon, Suffolk – apprenticeship at Elveden Academy
Accounting and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year: Leah Golding from Coddenham in Suffolk – apprenticeship with Muntons plc
Norfolk winners
Business and Management Apprentice of the Year: Jonnie Gilbert from Luddon in Norfolk – apprenticeship with East of England Co-op
Student stories
Leah Golding (Accounting and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year from Coddenham in Suffolk – apprenticeship with Muntons plc). Leah’s family have longstanding connections with West Suffolk College. Her grandfather was the previous Chair of Governors and her father has employed many engineering apprentices over the years with his Suffolk-based engineering firms.
Leah (21) said: “I’ve grown up with West Suffolk College and I’m so proud of the connections my family has with further education in this region. I think it’s important that we champion and celebrate apprenticeships to give them a higher profile. University is not the only option for people and with so many levels of apprenticeships available it’s just such a great way to be build your confidence as part of a team.”
Oliver Norman (Hairdressing and Barbering Apprentice of the Year from Elmswell, Suffolk – apprenticeship with MR Barbers). Oliver completed his apprenticeship with MR Barbers and has since opened two of his own barber shops (On Point Barbers).
Oliver (20), said: “I’m really proud of my achievements. I just want to say to anyone considering an apprenticeship to just go for it. If you dream big and work hard then anything is possible.”
Hannah Hayday (Engineering and Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year
from Stowmarket, Suffolk – apprenticeship with PPG Industries). Hannah impressed her employer and tutors by taking a mature, capable, responsible approach to complex projects.
Hannah (27) said: “I struggled with GCSE Maths, but here I am today proving people wrong after achieving a qualification in Further Maths for Engineers and a Distinction in Engineering Principles. I grew up around my Dad’s workshops so I don’t see barriers - I just work hard for results.”
Jade Russell (Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year from Basildon, Essex – apprenticeship with Basildon University Hospital). Jade (33) from Basildon had not been in education for over a decade when she returned to College to gain the skills she needed to progress in her career.
Jade said: “I’ve worked in the accident emergency unit at Basildon Hospital for nine years but I want to be a nurse. So, I started a level three health care apprenticeship pathway and doing this has massively improved my confidence. Now I’ve completed it there is a real sense of satisfaction and I want to go to university to do a nursing degree. More and more people are studying on apprenticeship programmes in later life – I’d say to those thinking about doing this is that they shouldn’t feel scared - they should just go for it. Completing an apprenticeship has massively improved my knowledge and skills.”