West Nottinghamshire College is celebrating after being recognised across multiple categories at the latest Discover Ashfield Awards.
Ben Toule (centre), head of the Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, proudly accepts the award for Best Skills Provider from Discover Ashfield board members Cllr Matthew Relf, executive lead member for growth, regeneration and local planning at Ashfield District Council (left), and Martin Rigley OBE, chief commercial officer at Devtank.
Now in their sixth year, the awards, organised in partnership with Ashfield District Council, celebrated the achievements of individuals, organisations and businesses that have made a positive difference across the district over the past 12 months.
The college’s state-of-the-art Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing was named Best Skills Provider, highlighting its transformative impact on engineering education in the region. As the first facility of its kind in the UK, the centre is equipping students with life-changing, hands-on training in CNC machining, supported by significant investment and scholarships.
The centre, on Oddicroft Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield, is already having a major impact, with engineering enrolments rising by 70%, a 100% pass rate for its first T Level cohort, and growing employer engagement. The initiative is helping to re-shape local skills, raise aspirations and create clear pathways into industry for young people across Ashfield and beyond.
The college also celebrated recognition for its DFN Project SEARCH initiative, which was named runner-up in the Best Skills Provider category. Delivered in partnership with organisations including Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Nottinghamshire County Council, the programme supports young adults with learning disabilities or autism into meaningful employment through structured internships and job coaching.
Since launching in 2022, the programme has supported 16 young people to graduate, with 11 securing paid employment – the majority within the partnership itself. The initiative continues to transform lives by building confidence, independence and workplace skills, while helping employers recognise previously un-tapped talent.
Staff from the college’s DFN Project SEARCH team celebrate their runner-up award in the Best Skills Provider category, presented by Cllr Matthew Relf (first left) and Martin Rigley OBE (first right).
In the Made in Ashfield – Teacher’s Award category, vice-principal Diane Booth was named as a winner in recognition of her outstanding contribution to further education. With more than 25 years’ service at the college, Diane has progressed from hairstylist and trainer to a senior leadership role, driving significant improvements in teaching, learning and quality.
A lifelong Sutton resident, Diane has played a pivotal role in strengthening employer partnerships and delivering exceptional outcomes across apprenticeships, A Levels and T Levels. Known for her commitment to mentoring and nurturing new teachers and leaders, Diane has helped raise standards and shape the college into the thriving institution it is today.
Vice-principal Diane Booth receives her Made in Ashfield – Teacher’s Award from Cllr Paul Grafton, chairman of Ashfield District Council.
Student success was also celebrated in the Made in Ashfield – Young Person’s Award category, following nominations by the college.
Health and social care student Kady Shaw was recognised for her outstanding resilience and determination. Despite long-standing challenges during her studies, she pushed herself to succeed – shadowing the head of department, completing work placements independently, engaging fully in her course, and making positive changes to her wellbeing. Now thriving on her Level 3 programme, 18-year-old Kady credits her course with changing her life.
Former student Jennifer Powell, 19, was also honoured for her remarkable journey through the DFN Project SEARCH programme. Working as a domestic assistant within King’s Mill Hospital’s rapid response team, she overcame learning and medical barriers to build confidence and independence. In June 2025, she secured a 20-hour paid role – something she once thought impossible – and continues to thrive in employment she loves.
A delighted Jennifer Powell (centre) receives her Made in Ashfield – Young Person’s Award from Discover Ashfield board member Liz Barrett OBE DL (left), principal of the Academy Transformation Trust Further Education and Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire; and council chairman Cllr Paul Grafton.
Principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley MBE said: “Everyone at the college is incredibly proud to see our staff, students and programmes recognised in this way. These awards reflect the dedication, innovation and resilience that define our college community.
“To receive recognition across so many categories – from skills provision to individual achievement – is a testament to the life-changing work happening here every day. We are particularly proud of the impact our provision is having on students’ futures, helping them gain the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Cllr Paul Grafton, chairman of Ashfield District Council, said: “It was a fantastic night once again and great to see so many inspiring people come together for a night of celebrating all they have achieved.
“A huge congratulations to all of our winners, such worthy recipients of an award for all they have done for Ashfield. They are all a shining example of why Ashfield is a wonderful place to live, work and study.”
Discover Ashfield was set up in 2017 to raise the profile of the district. It includes representation from a wide range of business, community and public sector bodies, including academies and further education institutions. Ashfield District Council facilitates the board, which is chaired by a business community representative.