We recognised the contribution from employers and apprentices at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The Apprenticeship Awards evening was held at the College’s Parsons Walk conference centre on 22nd May and included a keynote speech from Rebecca Heron, Director - Economy & Skills at Wigan Council.

A range of awards were handed out to outstanding apprentices to acknowledge their contributions and achievements at their particular placements.

Wigan Council won the Public Sector: Employer of the Year award with Sarah Hulme receiving the accolade.

Assistant Apprenticeship Coordinator, Sarah Hulme said: “We are extremely proud to have won the award for Public Sector Employer of the Year. We see apprenticeships as a fantastic way to develop both new and existing staff across the workforce.”

Guest speaker Rebecca Heron congratulated the apprentices’ achievements after her talk highlighted the importance of apprentices to employers and the benefits to them (Wigan Council) and the local economy.

Higher Education Apprentice of the Year winner, Ryan Docherty, is a Network Power Engineering Level 4 Apprentice at Electricity North West.

He said: “I was delighted to win the award, I wasn’t expecting it. It’s good to know what I’m doing is getting noticed and it’s great to have the appreciation.

“I love being an apprentice as I believe it’s the best way to learn and to be able to work on the job and know that I am gaining the competence and qualifications at the same time. I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.”

Anna Dawe, Principal added: “As a large apprenticeship provider, we were delighted to welcome all the nominees to celebrate their outstanding contributions.

“We have created many fantastic working relationships and we work with over 1,500 employers in the local area offering over 50 different apprenticeship pathways.”