Apprenticeship Sector Celebrated at Glittering College Awards Ceremony
Thursday 13th February 2025
The apprenticeship sector across the East Midlands has been celebrated in a brand-new awards ceremony hosted by Loughborough College.
As part of its National Apprenticeship Week (10th to 16th February) festivities, the College welcomed apprentices, teaching staff and employers to recognise their outstanding achievements over the past year.
The event was hosted by Laura Shepherd, Loughborough College’s Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Relationships, who led the celebrations by highlighting the successes of all involved.
She said: “Apprenticeships form a key part of what makes Loughborough College so special, and we are proud of our expanding provision across several key sectors in the Midlands, including Engineering, Warehousing and Logistics, and Education and Care.
“Not only were we impressed by the amount of award nominations we received, but the calibre of talent as well. Getting to read about the fantastic work that goes on across the industry was truly inspiring. Well done to all of our nominees, finalists and winners.”
The eight awards were split into three main categories: Employer of the Year, Special Awards and Apprentice of the Year. Each one highlighted the award winner’s dedication to the apprenticeship sector and their commitment to developing the workforce of tomorrow.
The winners were as follows:
- Employer of the Year Award
- SME (sponsored by Loughborough College) – Robert Whowell & Partners
- Large Employer (sponsored by BRUSH) – Druck
- Special Awards
- Mentor of the Year (sponsored by Lindum) – Demi Harrison & Beth Rennocks
- Rising Star (sponsored by Balfour Beatty) – Sofiane Goudjil
- Trainer Assessor of the Year (sponsored by Loughborough College) – Julie Willshee
- Apprentice of the Year
- Technology Apprentice (sponsored by Sofidel) – Matthew Ellaway
- Childcare and Education Apprentice (sponsored by Lime Tree Day Nursery) – Francesca Harvey
- Business and Administration Apprentice (sponsored by Loughborough College) – Jessica Exon
Corrie Harris, Principal and CEO at Loughborough College, said: “Apprenticeships represent a unique and invaluable route into a successful career, and we were thrilled to celebrate our students, employers and staff at the awards ceremony.
“Our apprenticeship programmes do not just transform careers; they transform lives and provide apprentices with the confidence to excel in their professions and contribute to local, national, and regional communities.
“This event showcased the remarkable dedication, resilience, and passion within the sector.”
The event was sponsored by local businesses including Balfour Beatty, BRUSH, Lime Tree Day Nursery, Lindum Group and Sofidel.
Loughborough College works with more than 1,800 employer partners to offer Apprenticeships in a range of industries including Engineering and Manufacturing, Education, Sport, Hairdressing and Business.
