Outstanding apprentices celebrate success at Swindon College

Swindon’s top apprentices have been revealed at a ceremony attended by business leaders and civic dignitaries including mayor Eric Shaw and MP Justin Tomlinson.

Nineteen students received commendations at the annual Apprenticeship Awards held at Swindon College, in disciplines as varied as accounting, business administration, brickwork, carpentry, motor vehicle and hairdressing.

Among the night’s winners was business administration Apprentice of the Year Charly Hubbard, whose employer Donna Redshaw from Diamond PA Services Ltd presented her with the award.

“Charly is such a hardworking and conscientious member of our team, and this shines through with her college work,” said Donna.

Engineering Apprentice of the Year Eamonn Hackett also impressed his employers, with Mike Harvey from EMCOR saying: “Eamonn demonstrates a clear commitment to the training and his job, which is reflected in his level of workmanship and the way he fits in at the work place and at college. He will be an asset to EMCOR and will set very high standards for others to follow as he progresses through his career.”

After developing his early skills as an apprentice with Plaisters Auto Services, an independent garage, Ryan is now a technician at motor dealership Pebley Beach.

He has been named Swindon College’s 2016 Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year after completing his final assessments six months early.

Ryan said: “I’m really grateful for all the support Pebley Beach and Swindon College have given me. I’ve completed my third and final year and I’m looking forward to getting my certificates and becoming a fully qualified technician.”

And having been encouraged by his employer DW Dunn Ltd to undertake an apprenticeship, Daniel Ricketts, 26 was celebrating becoming Plumbing Level 2 Apprentice of the Year.

“I had to fit my apprenticeship at Swindon College and my work in with my family life – I am a dad to two girls.” said Daniel. “But I got it done, and it was manageable. I am now going to be doing my Level 3 at the college!”

For more information about apprenticeships or training for businesses, log on to www.swindon.ac.uk/apprenticeships