Apprentices praised at college awards

Some of Lancashire’s highest achieving apprentices were presented with awards at Preston’s College to celebrate the eighth National Apprenticeship Week.

Four trophies were handed out on the day by Neil Conlon, managing director of Conlon Construction Yorkshire and Andrew Upton, director of community regeneration at Community Gateway Association - both strategic partners of the college.

Brittany completed her Level 2 Apprenticeship in Business Administration with the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 2014 and now works full time for the company as its widening participation support officer.

Brittany said: “I was really shocked to have won Apprentice of the Year and it didn’t sink in until days after. My parents and everyone at the Trust were ecstatic, and the award will soon sit proudly in the Hospital’s trophy cabinet.

Other winners during the ceremony included Ellis Mason (21) from Preston who was named Most Dedicated and Motivated Apprentice of the Year. Danni Henderson (20) from Ribbleton won Apprentice that Goes the Extra Mile and Gracie Short (22) from Broughton won Most Improved Apprentice.

Carl Speight, vice principal of enterprise & engagement at Preston’s College, said: “It’s always great to celebrate the success of our apprentices and their employers. I want to say congratulations to all our winners and nominees. We are very proud of each and every one of them and have high hopes for their future success. “This year’s Apprenticeship Week has been a real triumph for us, which started with a pledge to upskill 100 adult apprentices in Lancashire. We’re committed to creating job prosperity for local people and it’s events like these that showcase the wealth of talent within the area.”