Fifteen hard-working apprentices trained by West Nottinghamshire College were praised at a House of Lords reception.
The prestigious event, in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, saw current and former trainees presented with glass trophies and certificates by Gordon Marsden MP, Shadow Minister for Further Education, Skills and Regional Growth.
They were selected by the college from its crop of 5,000 apprentices in recognition of their talent, dedication and contribution to their employer.
The college held the event to celebrate the success of its apprenticeship programme while also showcasing the work it does to provide sustainable apprenticeship opportunities that benefit both individuals and businesses.
It was hosted by Baroness Prashar CBE, a cross-bench peer and a founding director of the Runnymede Trust. Guest speakers included Gordon Marsden MP and Adrian Bailey MP, chair of the Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Select Committee.
Also attending the event were senior figures from the further education and skills sector, representatives of partner organisations, and family members of the apprentices along with their host employers.
Addressing the guests, Gordon Marsden MP said: “What we’re seeing today is testament to what can be achieved by working in partnership to deliver real and meaningful apprenticeship opportunities.
“Apprenticeships and skills are central to growth in the region and further education colleges such as yours are beacons of education and skills.
“Apprenticeships offer real and lasting results – not only to the apprentices but the employers who take them on.”
College principal and chief executive, Asha Khemka OBE, said: “It was a wonderful celebration event that provided the opportunity to speak to apprentices, employers and politicians about the difference an apprenticeship can make to both a business and the individual.
“It was a pleasure to see 15 of our own apprentices, selected from the 5,000 we trained last year, formally congratulated for their hard work and contribution to their employer.”
With just over 5,000 apprentices last year, West Nottinghamshire College is one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the country. Its subsidiary company, Vision Apprentices, has supported over 700 young people into employment over the last 12 months.
Apprentices receiving awards were:
- Michael Biggs, of Sutton-in-Ashfield (Race Technology, Nottingham)
- Samuel Limb, of Nuthall, Nottingham (Gee-Tee Signs, Nottingham)
- Samuel Knight, of Calverton (Race Technology, Nottingham)
- Liam Barnes, of Mansfield Woodhouse (Cranton Electrical Company Ltd, Nottingham)
- David Cowlard, of Mansfield (Jac Construction, Rufford, Newark)
- Stacey Smalley, of South Normanton (MENCAP, Ashfield Court Care Home, Sutton-in-Ashfield)
- Jodie Whitemore, Sutton-in-Ashfield (Trends, Skegby, Sutton-in-Ashfield)
- Ryan Howell, of West Bridgford, Nottingham (Bridgeway Consulting, Nottingham
- Ashley Jackson, of Mansfield (Trackwork, Doncaster)
- Luke Johnson, of Mansfield (SDC Trailers Ltd, Mansfield)
- Joseph Mott, of Forest Town, Mansfield (ECS Engineering Services, Pinxton)
- Jamie Gittins, of Selston (Friction Marketing Company, Sutton-in-Ashfield)
- Perry Minett, of Mansfield (Advanex Europe Ltd, Southwell, Notts)
- Lisa Kimberley, of Mansfield Woodhouse (West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield)
- Leanne Carver, of Clipstone (West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield).