Hull College celebrates ‘future stars’ at apprenticeship awards
WINNERS: Hull College apprentices on stage at its Future Stars Apprenticeship Awards
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Hull College has celebrated the achievements of its apprentices at its Future Stars Apprenticeship Awards.
Award nominees, sponsors, distinguished guests and staff members gathered for the event, which was held as part of the college’s National Apprenticeship Week 2024 celebrations.
Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of awards recognising the exceptional achievements of apprentices who have demonstrated outstanding progress and dedication in their workplaces and at college over the past year.
Six apprentices were honoured with Apprentice of the Year awards across sectors ranging from construction and engineering, to digital and creative, and business.
The college currently trains almost 1,000 apprentices in total.
SPECIAL NIGHT: The annual Future Stars Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the achievements of Hull College apprentices
Among the standout winners of the evening were Leja Sleiniute, Harvey Knight and Mia Henson, who were recognised for demonstrating exemplary commitment, skill and passion in their apprenticeship journey.
Leja, a 19-year-old apprentice content creator at Caremark, was awarded the Digital and Creative Apprentice of the Year accolade.
She said: “I can’t describe how happy I am to have received this recognition. I genuinely did not expect to win but it’s an amazing feeling that all my efforts have been recognised.
“Doing an apprenticeship has allowed me to get experience in the real world. I’m learning on-the-job and off-the-job, and I absolutely love it.”
Twenty-year-old apprentice engineering technician Harvey was honoured with the Engineering and Manufacturing Apprenticeship of the Year award for his exceptional performance at Harrison Hire & Sales.
“I’m so proud - it’s nice that all my hard work has paid off,” he said. “To be nominated for the award was a great achievement in itself but to actually win it - I couldn't be happier.”
Mia, 16, who is employed as an apprentice nursery practitioner at Little Einsteins Childcare Centre, clinched the Early Years/Teaching Assistant Apprentice of the Year award.
Mia credited her success to the supportive environment she found in her workplace and college, and said: “Starting an apprenticeship was the best decision I’ve ever made.
“Working with such kind and supportive colleagues, along with all the help and guidance I’ve received at college, has helped me to develop my skills and become much more confident in myself.
“To be chosen as the winner of this award is so special. I’m really pleased to have won.”
Employers were also recognised at the awards for their role in delivering apprenticeships, with Hull-based businesses Atlas Leisure Homes and GW Power-Safe both praised for their commitment to developing the next generation of talent.
Atlas Leisure Homes picked up the Levy Employer of the Year award, while GW Power-Safe took home the SME Employer of the Year title.
Speaking after the ceremony, Nicki Clarke, executive director of apprenticeships at Hull College, was full of praise for the award winners and apprenticeships as a whole.
She said: “Our Future Stars Apprenticeship Awards night is always a fantastic occasion and it was wonderful to celebrate those individuals and businesses who make a real difference.
“I am immensely proud of all the nominees and winners, both apprentices and employers, who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to their roles and the apprenticeship programme.
“Apprenticeships are crucial to individuals, organisations and the economy in our local area, and nights like this truly show what wonderful things apprentices do.”
