Weston College held a Business Training Awards Ceremony to recognise and reward the many successes and achievements of local businesses.

Held at the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare, over 200 guests attended the prestigious event including prize-winners their colleagues and families. The Oscar-style event included a drinks reception, three-course dinner and award presentations.

Over 25 businesses and employees who have worked in partnership with Weston College in the past year received recognition for their commitment to training. Keynote speaker for the evening was Nick Gallegos MS FRCS, Weston Area Health NHS Trust’s Lead Consultant for Breast Services.

Employer award winners included Beauty Oasis Spa with salons in Weston and Winscombe, who were presented with Best Practice in Demonstrating Equality and Diversity. Liz Redwood, Head of Weston College’s Business Enterprise Centre commented: “The Beauty Oasis Spa has shown superb commitment to demonstrate good practice in equality and diversity. The business has recently employed an apprentice with a significant hearing impairment, and has provided a supportive environment to help the apprentice achieve her dream of becoming a beauty therapist.”

Employee award winner Samantha Mathers from The Woolpack Inn, St Georges demonstrated total commitment and enthusiasm to complete her NVQ Level 2 in Food and Drink service in just five months.

Samantha said: “This qualification means a lot to me, especially as it is flexible enough to fit around me being a parent, housewife and working part-time at The Woolpack. The opportunity to learn and gain this qualification means a lot; it’s nice to be recognised at these awards too.”

Principal’s Award for Employer of the Year went to North Somerset Council. The Council have worked with the Business Enterprise Centre at Weston College to offer a range of NVQs in Business Administration, Customer Service, Information Technology, Team Leading and Management. These NVQs have been delivered to over 40 staff so far.

With the help of the Business Enterprise Centre the Council have established a nationally recognised apprenticeship scheme and the number of apprentices have doubled from 10 to 20 plus 4 members of staff have become adult apprentices. In addition, an extra 20 people have enrolled on college courses or completed Literacy and Numeracy qualifications in the workplace.

The Principal’s Award for Employee of the Year went to Robert Howell from Goodfellows Restaurant in Wells

Other employee winners on the evening included Tiffany Webb from the Hair Gallery, Rosy Holt from Liberata, George Katsimpas from Premier Barbers, Jill Cowles from North Somerset Council, John Wells- Hearne from Smurfit Kappa. Employer awards also went to Weston General Hospital, Heritage Estate Agents, Weston Hospicecare and Beach Lawns Care Home.

If you are interested in business training, qualifications or the apprenticeship scheme for your workforce please contact 01934 411 594.