College's students and apprentices in spotlight for annual awards

INSPIRING stories of success were shared at the annual Lakes College Further Education and Apprentice Awards.

The college welcomed learners, their tutors, friends and family and employers for a night of celebration at the Lillyhall campus.

Guests enjoyed mouth-watering food prepared by catering learners in the on-site Graduates Restaurant before taking their seats for an emotional evening with students in the spotlight.

The event was kickstarted by guest speaker Clyne Albertelli, managing director of Co-Lab Engineering, who shared his personal career journey from student to entrepreneur.

The winners, highly commended learners and finalists were announced by members of the college’s senior leadership team and Phil Jardine, vice-chair of governors, took to the stage to present awards throughout the evening.

Chris Nattress, principal of Lakes College, said: “Our awards are always a highlight of the year for me as we get the chance to shine the spotlight on our FE students and apprentices.

“The opportunity to celebrate the success of our learners with their family, carers, friends, employers and staff made for a real one-college event of celebration.

“My congratulations to all our award winners, finalists and those highly commended.”

Health and social care student Mischa Pattinson was named the college’s Further Education Learner of the Year, while Kerry Dodd was named Apprentice of the Year for her ‘excellent example’ as a HR apprentice.

The Maths Learner of the Year and English Learner of the Year awards went to public services student Anya Croasdale and multi-construction student Hayden Morton respectively, while science student Bethany McDonnell was named T Level Learner of the Year.

Uniformed services student Keylee Hayden was announced as the Work Experience Learner of the Year after she shone during a week with the Army at Holcombe Moore barracks.

Orlagh Spokes, who has earned a place at university from September, was presented with the Exceeding Expectations award, while Rosie Kirwood clinched the Outstanding Contribution award for her support of her peers and willingness to help out whenever possible.

Students Millie Lawler and Lewis Miller were jointly presented with the Above and Beyond award after both came to the aid of people in need of medical attention while travelling to college.

The full list of winners and highly commended learners follows:

Maths Learner of the Year winner: Anya Croasdale.
Maths Learner of the Year highly commended: Daniel Hannah, Alexander Gowans.
English Learner of the Year winner: Hayden Morton.
English Learner of the Year highly commended: Jack Milne.
T Level Learner of the Year winner: Bethany McDonnell.
T Level Learner of the Year highly commended: Emily-Rose Lane.
Work Experience Learner of the Year winner: Keylee Hayden.
Work Experience Learner of the Year highly commended: Emie Graham, Cameron Waller.
Above and Beyond winners: Millie Lawler and Lewis Miller.
Exceeding Expectations winner: Orlagh Spokes.
Exceeding Expectations highly commended: Sam Dawson and Stefania Mirsanu.
Outstanding Contribution winner: Rosie Kirwood.
Outstanding Contribution highly commended: Courtney Davison.
Apprentice of the Year winner: Kerry Dodd.
Apprentice of the Year highly commended: Jordan Allen.
Further Education Learner of the Year winner: Mischa Pattinson.
Further Education Learner of the Year highly commended: Katy Privilege.