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News: Nottingham College celebrates its third annual Apprenticeship Awards

Apprenticeship Award Winners 2024
Apprenticeship Award Winners 2024

As a leading provider of apprenticeships and training programmes, we were delighted to hold our third annual apprenticeship awards, back bigger and better than ever at a brand-new venue, the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham on Tuesday 21st May 2024

Our event was a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of our apprentices and the transformative impact apprenticeships have on individuals, employers and the economy! 

The Apprenticeship Awards highlighted the commitment and accomplishments of apprentices in various fields, including health and science, engineering, construction, hospitality and retail, as well as professional services and digital sectors. The awards also acknowledged the vital role of tutors, mentors, managers and employers in contributing to the apprentices’ achievements.

We received hundreds of nominations and judging was no easy task. We would like to extend its congratulations to all the winners, as well as those who were shortlisted. Their nominations are a testament to their hard work and the positive change they have brought about and each one of these individuals deserves recognition for their fantastic contributions and achievements. 

The winners for the Apprenticeship Awards 2024, along with their respective awards, are as follows:

Tutor of the Year (sponsored by Blackburn Starling) — Darren Furmidge

Darren Furmidge

Darren, a Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) tutor, was nominated by multiple students for his exceptional teaching skills, industry knowledge, and dedication to improving the VDA course as well as his approachability, patience, and ability to create an encouraging learning environment. His efforts have significantly improved the course’s structure, content, and delivery, leading to increased student satisfaction, and learning outcomes.

Apprentice Experience of the Year (sponsored by CEMA) — Molly Poyzer

Molly Poyzer

Molly, Emtec’s Achievement Coach, has made a significant contribution to Nottingham College, helping it achieve its first Outstanding grade in a Residential OFSTED inspection. She supports apprentices, mentors, and employers, providing pastoral care and ensuring all apprentices have a voice. Molly has implemented strategies to support apprentices with additional needs and is well-respected throughout the college.

SME Employer of the Year (sponsored by Mindful Education) — Johns of Nottingham

Johns of Nottingham

Johns, a painting and decorating company, is committed to nurturing their apprentices, providing them with a full range of site skills and opportunities to develop. They work closely with colleges, provide necessary site training awards, and promote a diverse and inclusive workplace. All apprentices are mentored and often stay with the company after completing their courses. Johns also supports their employees’ well-being, providing flexible solutions to problems and assisting apprentices with their driving tests. Recently, Johns joined the PDA’s Paint Green sustainability initiative, aiming to reduce waste in the sector.

Large Employer of the Year (sponsored by Brightwake) — Landermeads

Landermeads

Landermeads, a nursing home in Beeston, was awarded Large Employer of the Year for being a supportive organisation that strongly believes in staff training and development. They encourage staff to complete training that will help them become future managers and provide the best care service possible. They support staff with on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and in-house staff training. Many staff members progress to higher levels, with some transitioning into nursing. Landermeads follows the butterfly model of care for individuals with dementia, providing person-centred care that improves the individual’s quality of life and reduces challenging behaviours.

Highly Commended — CEMA

CEMA, an electrical installation business, was awarded with Highly Commended for their exceptional support to the college over the past two years, notably in the relaunch of the engineering apprenticeship provision and the expansion of the Design Draughtsperson standard. Their industry knowledge has been instrumental in designing future courses and addressing the needs of the region’s manufacturing sector. CEMA’s commitment to the college and the apprenticeship team has resulted in successful recruitment from other companies within the region and ensured the longevity and sustainability of its workforce.

Apprentice Champion of the Year (sponsored by Steer Automotive Group) — Emma Storey

Emma Storey

Emma Storey, Apprenticeship Development Officer for the School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University, has significantly contributed to the success of the Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprentices program. She has focused on building professional relationships, reimagining apprenticeships, and increasing apprentice confidence. Emma, an apprentice herself, uses her unique perspective to improve the program and celebrate apprentice success. She also actively participates in a national technical manager network to share best practices and attract potential learners.

Automotive, Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Lindleys Autocentres) — Nathan Hoe

Nathan Hoe

Nathan Hoe has shown remarkable commitment to his development, gaining multiple qualifications in his first year. Known for his outstanding work ethic and attitude, Nathan has made significant strides in his field, gaining the respect of his team and making a substantial contribution to productivity and workflow.

Highly Commended: Leah Baker

Leah Baker

Leah Baker left a career in beauty to pursue her passion for engineering. Despite working in challenging outdoor environments, Leah’s drive and determination have led to rapid development in her role of servicing and repairing heavy methane-fuelled engines coupled to generators.

Construction Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Oakfield Construction) — Charlotte Bingham

Charlotte Bingham

Charlotte Bingham has shown outstanding dedication to personal development, achieving strong grades and demonstrating a proactive and committed approach to her work. She played a crucial role in the successful delivery of a £6m Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund scheme, earning praise for her dedication and diligence.

Creative Industries Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Skin Solace) — Elise Quirk

Elise Quirk

Elise Quirk has made a significant impact on the digital marketing team at The Dairy Creative Agency. She has demonstrated new skills and supported the team in creating and implementing client strategies across content creation, data analysis, and campaign management.

Health, Science and Care Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Nottingham University Hospitals) — Emma Carr

Emma Carr

Emma Carr has shown exceptional commitment and resilience in her role at Landermeads Nursing Home. Rising to the challenge of working during the Covid-19 pandemic, Emma has shown great resilience and commitment, continuing to develop her skills and knowledge.

Professional Services and Digital Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Diamond Financial Solutions) — Trinity Ward

Trinity Ward

Trinity Ward has demonstrated extensive resilience, adaptability, and commitment to her role as EHCP Apprentice Administrator. She has been recognised for her excellent communication skills and for her work in ensuring that SEND students receive the support they need.

Highly Commended : Barrie Staton

Barrie Staton
Barrie Staton, pictured with sponsor of the award from Diamond Financial Solutions

Barrie was nominated for being a dedicated, enthusiastic, and professional. He is known for always helping others and always ready to learn new things. Because of his exceptional performance and helpfulness, he received a highly commended award.

Hospitality and Retail Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by BIIAB — Skills & Education Group) — Joe Walling

Joe Walling - winner of Hospitality and Retail Apprentice of the Year
Joe Walling pictured with Karen Plowman, award sponsor, from the Skills and Education Group.

Joe’s relentless dedication has secured him this award. His role in the kitchen at The Carriage Hall has flourished, earning him recognition as a valuable team member. He refined his ability to work under pressure, enhanced his teamwork and communication skills, and mastered culinary techniques.

Overall Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Gemini Accident Repair Centres) — Charlotte Bingham

Charlotte Bingham


I started my experience straight from school and it was a bit daunting being a female in a male dominated industry but everyone was so welcoming and I would never say it was an issue so I definitely would recommend. My apprenticeship has always given me a taste of what is yet to come. I would like to become a commercial director and work across a range of high profile projects.”

I’m really grateful to have won this award tonight. I’ve had a really good positive apprenticeship experience. I’ve worked on a few different projects and I’ve been able to see lots of different things. My employer has been really welcoming and lovely and my tutor at college was extremely helpful. It’s been a really good experience! Seeing the projects grow and develop was amazing and the most rewarding part of the experience.” — Charlotte Bingham

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Charlotte Bingham as the Overall Apprentice of the Year. 

Charlotte Bingham was honoured with the prestigious title of Apprentice of the Year, thanks to her significant contributions to the construction industry. Charlotte has also demonstrated an admirable commitment to personal development, consistently seeking opportunities for growth and learning. Her work ethic and dedication to her apprenticeship has been so inspiring.

These awards embody the spirit of the apprenticeships, celebrating our student’s commitment to their apprenticeships and making significant contributions to their fields.

We would like to thank the event’s generous sponsors, including Mindful, Nottingham University Hospitals, Oakfield Construction, Steer Automotive Group, Diamond Financial, BIIAB, Skin Solace, Lindleys Autocentres, Gemini Accident Repair Centres, CEMA, Brightwake, and Blackburn Starling.

The support and contributions of our sponsors were crucial to the success of the Apprenticeship Awards 2024 and we appreciate their dedication to empowering individuals and fostering workforce growth.

The Apprenticeship Awards 2024 provided a platform to celebrate the exceptional talent and achievements of apprentices, as well as their invaluable contributions to society. We extend our congratulations to all the winners and shortlisted candidates, wishing them continued success in their future endeavors.

Published on:
  • 21st May 2024 (1:52 PM)
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