Bury St Edmunds West Suffolk College has honoured its apprentices during a glamorous awards night

West Suffolk College has rewarded its exceptional apprentices during a glamorous awards night.

The Bury St Edmunds college, which recently received an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report, honoured 10 students as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Apprenticeship Week is a celebration of the positive impact that apprenticeship qualifications have on individual’s lives and takes place between February 10 and 16.

One of the success stories at the event, held at Edmunds Restaurant, included Chloe Gilbert, 20, of Ipswich.

Chloe was crowned business and finance apprentice of year and also scooped the overall ‘outstanding’ apprentice of the year.

On winning the top gong, Chloe said: “I’m really happy. Apprenticeships open up a world of opportunity.”

Bex Gilbert, Chloe’s mum, said: “This is going to massively help her going forward. The apprenticeship has done so much for her confidence.”

June Hambly, Chloe’s nan, said: “I’m so proud of her – tears came into my eyes.”

Dr Nikos Savvas is CEO of the Eastern Education Group. Dr Savvas said: “National Apprenticeship Week highlights the incredible opportunities that apprenticeships provide across the country.

“We’ve celebrated the outstanding achievements of apprentices in a variety of industries from construction to automotive, engineering to healthcare.

“We’ve acknowledged those who have excelled and made their mark among the apprentices currently learning at Eastern Education Group at West Suffolk College.

“Their hard work, determination, and resilience throughout their apprenticeship journeys are truly commendable.

“Our region is setting a strong example when it comes to apprenticeships, with growing numbers and an enthusiastic commitment from local employers to support not only the emerging talent of the next generation but also to upskill their existing workforce.

“We are proud to have over 2,000 apprentices in training and to be working with over 1000 employers spanning the nation, not just in the eastern region.

“We are constantly pushing the boundaries of apprenticeship delivery, not only as a national leader in education, but more importantly by supporting our communities to excel and thrive.

“The success of apprenticeships is made possible by the innovative, forward-thinking, and exceptionally talented businesses we’re honoured to work with.”

Richard Stittle, group director of business development at West Suffolk College, said: “I’m passionate about apprenticeships and I think today with the amazing amount of different routes available I believe that people are seeing that apprenticeships can be the start of almost any career path they wish to pursue.

“They are now becoming a genuine alternative to university. We are definitely seeing lots more enquiries from A-level students who are choosing to go down the apprenticeship route as opposed to uni.

“We are also seeing more mature learners get involved as part of a career change or to increase their employability via extra training.”

Richard added: “It was a tremendous occasion that was able to highlight the infinite possibilities that you can gain by studying on an apprenticeship with West Suffolk College and the Eastern Education Group.”

Other award winners included Marcella Huntington, 65, of Huntingdon, who received the childcare apprentice of the year prize.

Marcella, who works for Hinchingbrooke Hospital, said: “To others who are considering doing an apprenticeship – I’d say– no matter what age you are, don’t stop – keep going and see me as a role model.”

Carol White, a 55-year-old mum of two, won the science apprenticeship of the year trophy.

Carol, of Paddock Wood in Kent, had to deal with two major personal problems during her study.

Carol, who works for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, said: “My eldest son has extremely complex medical needs and physical disabilities, and while I was in the second year of the course, he spent over 250 days of that year in hospital.”

“Then, just before the end of the apprenticeship my partner was taken ill and I was told he wouldn’t make it – so I had both my son and partner in hospital – and another son at home – it was quite a difficult period of time.”

Carol added: “I was there with my partner and my youngest son. I felt quite emotional.

“At the moment things are a little better for my eldest son who was in hospital, and my partner is doing OK and has even gone back to work part-time. It was a special moment to reflect on the tough times and enjoy this moment. I feel I’ve achieved something for myself that I am very proud of.”

Other winners were Adam Keely, of Diss (building services), Susan Wood, of North Walsham (healthcare), Macy Driver, of St Ives (HR and management), Leah Barker, of Barrow (hairdressing), Ryan Fosker, of Hadleigh (construction), William Ellis, of Bradenham in Norfolk (engineering and motor vehicle) and Casey Roberts, who works for Leading Lives (also healthcare).

And Carol White from Paddock Wood in Kent secured the science and pharmacy accolade.

Andrew Cocksedge, a director at Munro Building Services Ltd – and a former West Suffolk College apprentice himself, was guest speaker.

MSC received the first ever apprenticeship employer of the year prize.

Lindsay Kent, a customer service support manager, said: “It’s just really nice to be recognised for our achievements – the partnership with the college is amazing.”