OVER 40 of the region's most accomplished apprentices came together virtually for Cheshire College's Apprenticeship Awards 2021.

The event, held on Thursday night, recognised 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 fifteenth 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, commented: "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

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hayley Peers, Making Space

Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Essar

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Stephen Roberts, ERIKS

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

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Teigan Salt, Ringway Jacobs

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

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kaine Reed, Beartown Tap

Education and Training Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Edsential

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dominesha Biles, Meadow Primary School

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

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

Cheshire College Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Cheshire College

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Rebecca McGlone, Cheshire College

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

WINNER: Stephen Whitmore, Chromalloy

Award for Outstanding Progress, sponsored by Advance

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Michaela Murray, Making Space

Employer of the Year, sponsored by Cheshire College

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Phillip Hughes Hairdressing

New Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, sponsored by Cheshire College

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Encirc

To find out more about being an Apprentice visit ccsw.ac.uk, email [email protected] or call 01270 654654 / 01244 656555. If you are an employer interested in benefitting from an Apprentice, email [email protected] or call the employer hotline on 01244 656499.