Last week Salford City College recognised some of the region’s most outstanding apprentices and employers at its annual Apprenticeship Awards Evening. The event was held at FutureSkills at MediaCityUK as part of the College’s celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.
In her welcome speech to the evening’s guests, Rebekah Wilkins, Director of Marketing and Services to Learners, said: “Tonight is a celebration of how Apprenticeships can, and do, change the lives of people, by providing them with qualifications, work experience, confidence and a salary, giving them the kick-start they need to launch their professional careers.”
The College’s Deputy Principal, Michael J Walsh, then took to the stage to share the apprentice-related highlights of the past year, which included the announcement that those completing Apprenticeships with Salford City College achieved an outstanding 82% pass rate- 13% above the national average.
Adult Apprentice of the Year Zac Challinor (centre) being presented with his award by radio and television presenter Andy Crane
The special guest speaker for the evening was radio and television presenter Andy Crane, who spoke about his career highlights and offered advice to any apprentices looking to pursue their dream job. Further encouragement came from young entrepreneur Jo Booth, who stressed the importance of self-confidence and promotion achieving your career goals.
Other speakers at the ceremony included apprentice employer Lucy Sidlow, co-founder of Adary Joiners, which won the Small Employer of the Year title at this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards. To give guests an insight into the life of an apprentice, 18-year-old Seddon apprentice Mitul Pankhania also took part in a live Q&A, explaining why he chose to do an Apprenticeship and how he thinks it will help him with his future career.
Awards were then given out to apprentices and employers from a range of sectors, in recognition of the positive impact their work has had on individuals, businesses, and the wider community. The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the ‘Apprentices of the Year’, with the ‘Young Apprentice of the Year’ title being given to 18-year-old Heating & Ventilation apprentice Mitchell Calton, who was also a nominee for the North West Apprentice of the Year.
Finally, the ‘Adult Apprentice of the Year’ award went to 27-year-old Zac Challinor, who has undertaken a complete personal and professional transformation in the past year to pursue a career in the education sector. He is currently completing a qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning at The Albion Academy.
Main photo: Young Apprentice of the Year Mitchell Calton (left) being presented with his award by radio and television presenter Andy Crane and Steve Fletcher, (right) Director – J Fletcher Engineering
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