OVER 40 of the region’s most accomplished apprentices came together virtually for Cheshire College’s Apprenticeship Awards 2021, which recognise learners who have exceeded expectations and made significant contributions to their workplaces.

One of the most anticipated events in Cheshire College’s calendar the Apprenticeship Awards, which are now in their 15th year, culminated a week’s worth of activity across the College as they celebrated National Apprenticeship Week 2021.

Throughout the course of the evening, 12 awards were presented to apprentices and apprenticeship providers, as guests tuned in live to watch the ceremony which included insightful talks with some of the North West’s top employers who discussed the real value of apprenticeships and how they build the future of businesses.

Dhesi, principal and CEO of Cheshire College, said: “All of the Apprenticeship Award winners demonstrated outstanding levels of achievements and it was delightful to hear the motivating stories about how they have helped their businesses adapt and build during what has been a tremendously difficult year. They really are the cream of the crop and should be immensely proud of their accomplishments.

“All of our Apprenticeship Award nominees demonstrate how apprenticeships can you take you anywhere and here at Cheshire College, we’re extremely proud of our apprenticeship programmes which deliver high-quality and relevant training for a diverse range of industries.”

Karen Roberts, assistant principal - apprenticeships and employer engagement, added: “Cheshire College’s Annual Apprenticeship Awards are always a fantastic evening and whilst this year’s celebrations looked slightly different, it was fantastic to celebrate our high calibre of learners who strive to achieve the very best through their hard work, dedication and commitment.”

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce were Headline Sponsors of this year’s Apprenticeship Awards, with many local employers also sponsoring individual award categories.

Kayleigh Johnson, business administration apprentice at Bentley Motors, was just one of the evening’s winners taking home the award for ‘Business, Administration and Law Apprentice of the Year’ after being nominated for demonstrating exceptional commitment, which has seen her be promoted during her apprenticeship.

On winning her award, Kayleigh said: “I am so happy that I pushed myself out my comfort zone and realised my own capabilities - not only has it paid off as I have completed my Apprenticeship, but it has also allowed me to win this award, which is a huge achievement.

“I loved completing my Apprenticeship in Business Administration and would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering an Apprenticeship in this sector.”

As the largest provider of post-16 education in the region with Campuses in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester, Cheshire College has over 1,400 apprentices and works with more than 800 local, national and international employers to deliver Apprenticeships across 14 sector subject areas.

Full list of the evening’s winners:

  • Health, Public Services and Care Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by North West Boroughs

WINNER: Craig Bell, Cheshire Fire and Rescue

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hayley Peers, Making Space

  • Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Essar

WINNER: Abigail Williams, Unilever

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Stephen Roberts, ERIKS

  • Construction and Building Services Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Unipart Rail

WINNER: Kieron Shenton, Macclesfield Maintenance

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Teigan Salt, Ringway Jacobs

  • Retail and Commercial Enterprise Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Encirc

WINNER: Joel De Ledger St Claire, House of Hair

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kaine Reed, Beartown Tap

  • Education and Training Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Edsential

WINNER: Emma Plested, The Arches Primary School

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dominesha Biles, Meadow Primary School

  • Business, Administration and Law Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Hixon Group

WINNER: Kayleigh Johnson, Bentley Motors

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ryan Fahy, PCC (Primary Care Cheshire)

  • Cheshire College Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Cheshire College

WINNER: Joseph Steffenini, Cheshire College

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Rebecca McGlone, Cheshire College

  • Award for Exceptional Contribution, sponsored by 1st Enable and Survitec

WINNER: Pamela Crehan, St Helens and Knowsley Hospital NHS Trust

WINNER: Stephen Whitmore, Chromalloy

  • Award for Outstanding Progress, sponsored by Advance

WINNER: Michael Gillen, Magus Electronics

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Michaela Murray, Making Space

  • Employer of the Year, sponsored by Cheshire College

WINNER: Cherry Grove Primary School

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Phillip Hughes Hairdressing

  • New Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, sponsored by Cheshire College

WINNER: Vivo Care Choices

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Encirc