Employees and employers honoured at Nelson and Colne awards ceremony

Some of the top businesses in Lancashire celebrated at the Nelson and Colne College Business Awards, which recognise the best in apprenticeship good practice.

During the event, awards were presented to young apprentices, whose motivation and drive brings youthful vigour to their organisation.

The event also recognised adult learners, whose enhanced skills, coupled with their considerable experience, drive business forward.

Companies whose investment in apprentices has boosted their profits and productivity, and who have shown on-going commitment to the training of their workforce were also honoured, in recognition of the contribution they have made to the regeneration of the area.

BBC’s Tony Livesey, who presented the prizes on the evening said: “It was a real privilege to be invited back to the College that gave me such a start in life, 33 years after I first walked through the doors. I was immediately impressed with the air of professionalism surrounding the business awards. It is obviously an occasion that the local business community take very seriously.

“The winners all had inspirational back stories and I was most encouraged that those who are in a position to help learners of all ages were not only present but supportive, enthusiastic and full of encouragement.”

Full list of winners:

Young Apprentices

Business AdministrationEylem Agac - employed at Utility Renewals Ltd - Young Apprentice of the Year – Business and AdministrationLevi Sarchet - employed at Ashberry – Young Apprentice of the YearBeth Stone - employed by Neville Gee – Young Apprentice of the Year – Business and Administration

Catering and HospitalityHarry Dunne, employed by the Staff of Life Inn - Young Apprentice of the Year – Catering and Hospitality - Staff of Life InnChris Terry, employed by the Fence Gate Inn – Young Apprentice of the Year – Catering and Hospitality

Child Care

Engineering and ManufacturingAdam Robinson, employed by Service United Limited - Young Apprentice of the Year

Hairdressing and Barbering

Health and Social CareVictoria Fatz, employed by Bank Hall Care Home – Young Apprentice of the Year – Health and Social Care

Adult Apprentices and Work-based Learners

AccountingZoe Greaves, employed by Daisy Group PLC – Work-based Learner of the Year – Accounting

Business and AdministrationAnn Hodson, employed at Calico Homes Limited – Adult Apprentice of the Year – Business and Administration

Catering and HospitalityJoanne Akin, employed by Wilpshire Golf Club – Adult Apprentice of the Year - Catering and Hospitality Karen Gallagher, employed by Cornholme Junior, Infant and Nursery School – Work-place Learner of the Year – Catering and Hospitality

Child CareAmy East, employed by Walton Lane Nursery School– Work-based Learner of the Year – Child Care

Customer ServiceLynn Hackett, employed by East Lancs Hospitals Trust – Adult Apprentice of the Year - Customer Service

Engineering and ManufacturingMax Bridges, employed by Standel Dawman Limited - Adult Apprentice of the Year – Engineering Robert Whitham, employed by R.Nuttall and Co – Work-based Learner of the Year – Engineering

Hairdressing and BarberingStuart Craig, employed at Fadez Barbers – Adult Apprentice of the Year- Hairdressing and Barbering

Health and SafetyWendy Huntriss, working for Training 2000 – Work-based Learner of the Year – Health and Safety

Health and Social CareJoy Taylor, employed by Lawwood Limited – Work Based Learner of the Year – Health and Social CareCatherine Waddington, employed by Sevacare – Adult Apprentice of the Year – Health and Social Care

ManagementDavid Alexander, employed at Pendle Borough Council – Work-based Learner- Management Daniel Rogan, employed at Accrington PALS Primary Health Care Centre – Adult Apprentice of the Year – Management

RetailAngela Bacigalupo, employed by Aston Pharmacies – Work-based Learner of the Year – Retail

Supporting Teaching and Learning

Employer of the Year

AccountingDaisy Group Ltd – Accounting Employer of the Year

Business and AdministrationAshberry - Business and Administration Employer of the Year

Catering and HospitalityFence Gate Inn - Catering and Hospitality Employer of the Year

Child CareBrook Farm Children’s Nursery - Child Care Employer of the Year

Engineering and ManufacturingHycrome (Europe) Limited - Engineering and Manufacturing Employer of the Year

Hairdressing and BarberingOMD hairdressing, Burnley - Hairdressing Employer of the Year

Health and Social CareCastle Supported Living Ltd - Health and Social Care Employer of the Year

For Long-standing Commitment to Apprenticeships at Nelson and Colne CollegeBoundary Mill – A long-standing commitment to Apprenticeships East Lancashire Health Care Trust – A long-standing commitment to Apprenticeships Pendle Borough Council – A long-standing commitment to Apprenticeships