An Evening of Celebrating Success at the Annual Apprenticeship Awards

On Tuesday, 8th February 2022, in the midst of National Apprenticeship Week, Apprenticeships at Salford City College hosted their apprentices, employer partners, stakeholders and colleagues with an evening of celebration at the Annual Apprenticeship Awards.

The event took place at FutureSkills at MediaCityUK, with guests treated to networking, drinks and canapés before an awards event where businesses and apprentices would be recognised and awarded for their commitment to apprenticeships.

Hosted by Allan Milne, Director of Business Development & Apprenticeships at Salford City College Group, and with key note speeches from Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Salford City Council, apprentice Robin Stewart from Co-op, and former Sector-Based Work Academy student Arnold Keungmeue, guests were able to hear first-hand why apprenticeships are so important for both businesses and individuals.

Musical performances also graced the awards stage with Creative Music student Brendan Lau performing an acoustic set, and The Pendleton Contemporary Choir covering a mash-up of show-stopping a cappellas.

Awards were given to apprentices who have gone above and beyond in their work, have excelled in their apprenticeship, are a great asset to their business and have brought unique and fresh ideas to their organisation.

Business awards were given to our employers who have ignited their businesses through apprenticeships, worked with the Apprenticeship Team to develop their apprentices and create opportunities, taken part in initiatives that have benefited their apprentices and championed the use of apprenticeships to drive their business forward.

Winners from the evening included:

Small Employer of the Year - MBG Brickwork

Medium Employer of the Year - KidzRUs Nursery

Large Employer of the Year (Public Sector) - Salford City Council Early Years Settings

Large Employer of the Year (Private Sector) - Co-op

Trainee of the Year - Molly Jepp, Wingate Electrical

Supported Apprenticeship Award - Kade Dardis, Liberty Group

Sector-Based Work Academy Award - Arnold Keungmeue, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust

Building Services Engineering Apprentice of the Year - Campbell Cummings, Fusion Electrical

Business & Professional Services Apprentice of the Year - Robin Stewart, Co-op

Financial Services Apprentice of the Year - Michael Hegarty, BOC

Early Years & Education Apprentice of the Year - Stacey Chambers, Higher Broughton Nursery (Salford City Council)

Construction Craft Apprentice of the Year - David Cawley, MBG Brickwork

Hair & Beauty Apprentice of the Year Kelis Knox, Avesta Hair Ltd (Collected by Andrew Hallsworth, Delivery Leader for Hospitality, Retail, Hair & Beauty on Kelis' behalf)

Health & Social Care Apprentice of the Year - Jade Lawrensen, Wigan Council

Hospitality & Catering Apprentice of The Year - Cathryn Thomas, St Ann's Hospice

Leadership & Management Apprentice of the Year - Siobhan Gough, Tameside Council

Covid Apprentice Champion Award - Natalie Kelly, Care Direct

Outstanding Contributor Award - Susan Hilton, Delivery Leader for Health, Social & Child Care at Apprenticeships at Salford City College

Overall Apprentice of the Year - Stacey Chambers, Higher Broughton Nursery (Salford City Council)

Host of the event, Allan Milne, commented: "It was a brilliant evening where we celebrated the best of both apprentices and employers. There were so many brilliant nominees, the judging panel had a very tough time deciding. I am looking forward to next year already!"

Guest and winner of the Medium Employer of the Year Award, Nicola Fleury, commented: "Just to say a huge thank you for the most fabulous awards ceremony on Tuesday evening. We were delighted to win the award for the 'Medium Employer of the Year'. Everything was wonderful and so well organised from start to finish. The entertainment was superb and the refreshments were lovely thank you all so much, very much appreciated. We really enjoyed the evening and a huge pat on the back to all involved."

To find out more about how you can become an apprentice or employ an apprentice for your business, contact the Apprenticeship Team on 0161 631 5555 or email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk.