Business Awards Hall of Fame
Ruby Cahill
Business, Finance and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year
Thatchers Cider
Since the beginning of her journey, Ruby made a tangible impact across the Marketing, Finance and Customer Service departments. She has rapidly progressed within each department.
Kash Watkins
Construction Apprentice of the Year
Ashton Scaffolding Services
Kash demonstrates excellent teamwork and communication skills. The standard to which he completes his work is exceptional and is only usually seen in people who have been in the trade for years!
Toby Jones
Digital Apprentice of the Year
Visit Somerset
Toby demonstrates exceptional skills, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking. Through his strategic use of digital marketing platforms, he has enhanced the visibility and reputation of his employer.
Christie Ross
Service Sectors Apprentice of the Year
Weston College
Christie has consistently displayed excellent communication skills, collaborating with lecturers, parents and staff members. Her ability to establish rapport and build trust has contributed to a positive and productive learning environment!
Corey Thomas
Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year
Andy Hall Cars
Corey has shown immense enthusiasm for his role. He is keen to learn all aspects of the trade and never shies away from a problem. His employer describes him as a true asset to the company, helping the business to flourish.
Jeorge Davies
Into Work Learner of the Year
Southern Co-op and Dunstan House Inn
George has supported his employer to recruit a more diverse untapped talent pool which has opened opportunities for others, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the workplace.
Christiana Panteli
Industry Placement Learner of the Year
UHBW
During her placement in the Trauma and Orthopaedics ward, Christiana has conducted the role you would expect of a Band 2 support worker. Her mentors have commended her for her communication skills and how great she is with patients.
Joshua Jenkins
Health, Sport and Community Apprentice of the Year
Future Starts Coaching
Joshua is recognised for not only his outstanding skills and knowledge but also his ability to go above and beyond in every aspect of his role. He has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and a real commitment to improvement and growth.
Jess Macfarlane
Leadership and Management Apprentice of the Year
VADO
Jess has taken the knowledge acquired on the course and has displayed exceptional skills, exhibited remarkable growth and served as an inspiration to her team members.
Jonah Backhouse
Luke Wheaton Engineering Apprentice of the Year
Rolls Royce
Jonah’s passion for the industry is clear, he strives for the best quality standards in the work he completes. He even represented his employer alongside their new CEO on a trip to Parliament to talk to MPs about apprenticeships!
Courtney Sharratt
Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the Year
Hair and Beauty Apprentice
Courtney started her apprenticeship with basic knowledge, now she has her own clients and looks after them start to finish! She has an exceptional ability to connect with clients, providing them with a personalised and memorable experience.
Lee Doyle
Pre-employment Learner of the Year
Lee has been described as the best learner the college has seen go through boot camp, with his commitment, enthusiasm, and leadership skills. He has now secured a senior role within the construction company!
Lavar Halstead
Traineeship Learner of the Year
UHBW
Since starting his traineeship, he has progressed onto full-time employment with University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. He shows confidence every day and develops a plethora of skills, impressing his employer.
Overall Learner of the Year
Jess from VADO
Jess isn’t afraid to meet challenges head-on, from stepping in to successfully deal with customers to building and developing a brand-new team – providing that she’s a fantastic leader, as well as a great colleague.
Overall Employer of the Year
Avon Fire and Rescue
Avon Fire and Rescue are committed to developing their future workforce. From upskilling existing members of staff through Leadership and Management apprenticeships to recruiting new apprentices in areas such as Digital, Admin and Fire Fighting.
Small Employer of the Year
The Ginger Pig Kitchen
Ginger Pig Kitchen are passionate about creating opportunities for talented people starting their journey. They are a Career Excellence Hub endorser, they offer traineeships and apprenticeships, as well as delivering regular masterclasses to our learners.
Medium Employer of the Year
Thatchers Cider
Thatchers Cider are fully engaged with Weston College. From being a Career Excellence Hub endorser, to actively supporting T Level students and offering apprenticeships each year to young people within the region. A really impressive stat about our winners is that 10% of their workforce are apprentices!
Large Employer of the Year
Avon Fire & Rescue
Avon Fire and Rescue deliver multiple apprenticeships with us, from upskilling current staff to recruiting new talent through apprenticeships. We recently launched a brand-new apprenticeship with this organisation, which has seen over 80 people enrol to actively become Fire Fighters.
Career Excellence Hub Employer of the Year
Hinkley Point C
Hinkley Point C has delivered several workshops to our learners this year, working closely with learners in construction and engineering. They have also recruited a learner through T Levels, which has been met with resounding success. .
Inclusive Practice Employer of the Year
Puxton Park
Puxton Park are dedicated to supporting inclusivity, for both its employees and customers. From offering work experience to learners with autism, to sending staff on our inclusive employer training workshops. They are working closely with staff from the college to develop an inclusive offer for their customers.
Industry Placement Employer of the Year
UHBW
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust develop their strategies to include a strong collaborative partnership with us, to ultimately support the growth of new talent pipelines. They offer industry placements to full-time learners, as well as being a big support for our T Level health learners.
Work Experience Employer of the Year
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm took on five students for work experience. They have developed a robust programme to ensure students are well supported and can work within an area of interest.
Pre-employment Employer of the Year
Somerset NHS Trust
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust supported nearly 400 people into employment through Sector Based Work Academy Programmes! They have worked closely with our pre-employment team to fill vacancies in both clinical and support roles within the NHS.
Traineeship Employer of the Year
Future Starts Coaching
Future Stars Coaching offer unwavering support to learners looking to enter the coaching industry. They support learners facing various barriers and allow learners to gain vital experience needed to progress onto apprenticeships.
Sustainability Partner of the Year
Burnham and Weston Energy
Burnham and Weston Energy’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future and driving positive change is evident in the work they have done on Net Zero and through opening opportunities to learners from the college.
Bethan Walker
Accelerate Participant of the Year
From discovering how to build her brand, to coaching and empowering her team, to using the social media sessions for her business - Bethan has shown that she is committed to growth for her business, her team and herself.
Ryan Peacock
Business and Finance Apprentice of the Year
Thatcher’s Cider (Apprentice)
Ryan has developed a wide range of skills in his experiences working within customer service, online sales, marketing, and the shop – of which his skills are so advanced that he delivers training to new starters!
Connie Palmer
Construction Apprentice of the Year
CSG Carpentry
Over the course of Connie’s apprenticeship, she has grown her skills and confidence enormously and is not afraid of challenging work. She started sharing her work online, where she caught the attention of construction workwear brand Scruffs, who made her a Brand Ambassador.
George Cranmer-Morgan
Digital Apprentice of the Year
UCW Degree Apprentice
George gets involved in a real range of activities from software development to systems integration. He has developed a fantastic rapport with colleagues and lecturers and has been described as a pleasure to be around.
Karen Passarelli
Early Years and Teaching Assistant of the Year
Weston College Apprentice
Karen has added a huge amount of value to the Inclusive Practice team here at Weston College, and she is always ensuring that students with disabilities or special needs receive a quality education – fully engaging with the inclusive culture of Weston College.
Jack Kitsell
Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year
UCW Apprentice with Ministry of Defence
Jack completed a five-year degree apprenticeship at University Centre Weston with the Ministry of Defence and is expected to achieve a first-class honour. He has gone above and beyond, not only has he been highly impressive in his work, but he has truly stood out from his peers.
Ella Loach
Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the Year
Apprenticeship with Bosscut Barbers
Not only has Ella completed a hairdressing apprenticeship, but she has also progressed onto a barbering apprenticeship, to further develop her skillset. She is highly committed and is not only a role model to new apprentices but also delivers training to them.
Keely Marsland
HHealth and Social Care Apprentice of the Year
UHBW Apprentice
Keely looks after individuals who may be feeling anxious or nervous about their appointment and supports patients who may have learnt bad news. This apprentice also links up with new apprentices in a ‘buddy’ system, to help them settle in.
Samuel Stroud
Hospitality and Catering Apprentice of the Year
Steak of the Art Apprentice
Despite Covid and lockdowns causing delays, Samuel continued to develop his skills, through his own research and completing assessments remotely. He achieved a distinction and impressed his employer so much that he has gone on to gain a full-time role, and now produces his own food on the menu!
Brandon Kelleher
Industry Placement Learner of the Year
Spacebar – T Level Apprentice
Brandon was a founding member of Spacebar, who has supported several local not for profits through developing their websites. He has gone above and beyond what is required from an industry placement and has worked lots of extra hours due to his passion for making Spacebar a success.
Shauna Bates
Into Work Student of the Year
Butcombe Farm
Shauna’s role and responsibilities range from land-based work to animal care and includes horticulture and cleaning as well. She is always looking to improve and pushes herself in every challenge. She is calm, gentle and has a steady as she goes approach.
Andrew Cockram
Leadership and Management Apprentice of the Year
Wessex Water Apprentice
Andrew has developed into a very well-rounded manager, improving aspects such as communication, decision making and a Personal Development Plan. He is always willing to support others, and it is no surprise that his team achieve such impressive results – from improving his team’s atmosphere, motivation, and productivity.
Luke Merchant
Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year
Mercedez-Benz Apprentice
Luke gained national recognition in 2021, when he won silver in the WorldSkills Competition! Not only has he developed his motor vehicle specific skills such as brakes, steering and suspension, but he also become a very efficient problem solver and a great communicator.
Liam Watkins
Pre-Employment Learner of the Year
Apache Construction
Just four months into his employment, Liam is now completing a real range of tasks, from putting up stud walls, skirting boards and fitting kitchens. He was wanting an opportunity to enter the industry, and he has taken it with both hands, blowing his employer away with his dedication! He is now completing an apprenticeship to upskill further.
Charlie Ashton
Professional Services Apprentice of the Year
Foot Anstley LLP Apprentice
Charlie has been described as the perfect role model for apprenticeships, and due to his success, other departments within his organisation have decided to take on apprentices. He brings fresh ideas and a unique perspective to the business, which has been credited as enabling the company to reflect on ways to improve and develop their offerings.
Georgia Ferdinando
Sport and Community Apprentice of the Year
Weston College FA Female Football Development Officer Apprentice
Georgia has made an enormous impact through her apprenticeship, working tirelessly to enhance and grow the reputation of female football. She has not only developed key relationships with local clubs and partners but has also built new connections that have really benefitted learners.
Lillie Reed
Traineeship Learner of the Year
UHBW Apprentice
She has grown in confidence every day, and developed a plethora of skills, which really impressed her employer. As part of her traineeship, she was due to move around departments to gain experience in multiple areas, however due to the impact she was having, it was decided to keep her in the Ears, Nose and Throat department.
Jack Kitsell
Overall Apprentice of the Year
Following a six-month secondment to an industry partner, this apprentice was given a formal letter of commendation, thanking him for his significant personal effort which was above and beyond what was expected of him.
Small Employer of the Year
Busy Buddies
Medium Employer of the Year
Abatec Recruitment
Large Employer of the Year
MBDA
Career Excellence Hub Employer of the Year
Thatchers Cider
Disability Confident Employer of the Year
The Café at the Pavilion
Industry Placement Employer of the Year
Sense IT
New Apprentice Employer of the Year
Romatec Engineering Solutions
Pre-Employer of the Year
Apache Construction
Traineeship Employer of the Year
Burnham Plastering and Drylining
Work Experience Employer of the Year
Gold Dust Training
Overall Employer of the Year
University Hospital Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
They support us with T Levels, Traineeships and currently have over 140 apprentices on programme – whether that be people starting their journey in the field or upskilling existing employees. Our apprentices love their experiences with them, and their development is truly enhanced in this setting.
