Awards shine a light on college's star students

STUDENTS and apprentices who have achieved success, overcome obstacles and been outstanding ambassadors for Lakes College were celebrated at a dazzling awards ceremony.

In the college’s first in-person Further Education and Apprenticeship Awards ceremony since 2019, more than 100 students, apprentices, staff, governors and distinguished guests gathered to recognise success stories.

The ceremony took place at the college’s Lillyhall campus, with guests invited to enjoy delicious food prepared by the catering students in the on-site Graduates Restaurant before the award ceremony kicked off.

After an inspirational introduction from Sarah Glass, executive director at the Centre for Leadership Performance, the awards for the winners and highly commended learners were presented by Chris Nattress, principal of Lakes College, and Mike Priestley, chair of governors.

Chris said: “I’m always blown away by the incredible stories of student and apprentice success and achievement at Lakes College.

“Our learners are at the heart of everything we do at the college, and I wish everyone the best of luck in their future.”

Mike added: “It’s great to be back on site to give these talented young people the recognition they deserve and celebrate their success.

“Every single one of the nominees has been recognised for their standout performance.”

The first award of the night for English Learner of the Year went to Electrical student Kian Rath, while the Maths Learner of the Year winner was Level 2 Welding student Jonathan Law.

T Level Learner of the Year winner Millie Lawler, who studies the Health (Nurse Cadets) course, said: “I was very surprised and humbled to be announced as the winner and I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.

“It’s been a really enjoyable night.”

Apprentice of the Year winner Alfred Jarvis, who is a plumbing apprentice, said: “I’m pretty chuffed to have been recognised like this.

“My apprenticeship has been great and I couldn’t have asked for a better employer to help me through it.

“It’s been an awesome night to be a part of.”

Hair student Saeed Al Hamam was named the college’s Further Education Learner of the Year, while Transitions in Learning student Ross Marsden was recognised with the Exceeding Expectations award.

The award for Work Experience Learner of the Year was presented to Level 3 Mechanical Engineering student Reece Sheargold.

The Outstanding Contribution award went to Corey McCullough, who has gone the extra mile in helping to promote the college alongside his studies.

Corey, a Level 2 NVQ Groundworks (GCO) apprentice, said: “I’m really pleased. It was nice to be recognised, and I’d just like to thank Dave [Hill,
construction lecturer] as well for everything.

“It’s been a really nice evening.”

Five students also received their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards after completing the programme during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The full list of winners and highly commended learners follows:

English Learner of the Year winner: Kian Rath.
English Learner of the Year highly commended: Bethany Taylor, Jenson Doyle.
Maths Learner of the Year winner: Jonathan Law.
Maths Learner of the Year highly commended: Lauren McDowell, Jake Beswick.
T Level Learner of the Year winner: Millie Lawler.
T Level Learner of the Year highly commended: Bethany McDonnell, Owen Birkett.
Work Experience Learner of the Year winner: Reece Sheargold.
Work Experience Learner of the Year highly commended: Craig Drummond, Jacob Brannon.
Exceeding Expectations winner: Ross Marsden.
Exceeding Expectations highly commended: Jacob Brannon, Emily Mallaghan.
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award winners: Kieron Moore, Ross Marsden, Jenna Horricks, Will Hutchinson, Nathan Martin.
Outstanding Contribution winner: Corey McCullough.
Outstanding Contribution highly commended: Ashley Larkin, Mitchell Hill.
Apprentice of the Year winner: Alfred Jarvis.
Apprentice of the Year highly commended: Max Nisbet, Jayne Thurlow.
Further Education Learner of the Year winner: Saeed Al Hamam.
Further Education Learner of the Year highly commended: Kelly Macdonald, Rosie Kirwood.