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.

More than 50 local employers and learners attended the ceremony and were served a delicious three course lunch prepared by the college’s hospitality apprentices.

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 Mollart, 18, from Preston, scooped the judges’ top award, beating 1,000 other learners from Preston’s College to be crowned Apprentice of the Year 2015.

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.

Her manager and mentor, Jackie Higham, widening participation manager at the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, described her as an invaluable asset to the organisation. Brittany now plans to progress onto a Level 3 Award in Teaching and Education starting September 2015.

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.

“Being an apprentice has been so worthwhile for me and I would urge everyone to look into completing an Apprenticeship to help get your foot in the door. My one piece of advice would be to push yourself to always go above and beyond your duties.”

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.

The above students are currently completing Apprenticeships with Vincents Solicitors, Morgan Turner Recruitment and Broughton C of E Primary School.

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.”