Newcastle College’s annual Apprenticeship Awards returned on Friday 10 February, as part of a series of events to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2023. 

The awards ceremony, held on its Rye Hill campus, recognised and celebrated the success of apprentices who have made significant progress in their workplaces, as well as the staff and employers who work to support and champion apprenticeships.

Principal of Newcastle College, Scott Bullock said: “Apprenticeships are key to developing a skilled workforce that will support our local economy and help to drive our region forward.

“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate those individuals who make a real difference and a significant contribution to their organisation. It’s also a chance to celebrate our fantastic employer partnerships, and to thank those employers who help shape the future careers of our apprentices.  

“Congratulations to all of our nominees and our winners, we are extremely proud of all of them.”

Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year, Ying Wei said: “It is a great honour to win this award.  I firmly believe that it will give me the motivation to study and work even harder and will help shape my career path.”

Steve Smith, Managing Director of category sponsor SIAS, added: “We were delighted to attend Newcastle College’s Apprenticeship Awards. It was a great night celebrating the hard work and dedication demonstrated by all of the nominated apprentices, Newcastle College and their employers.”

The event was the College’s final celebration of apprenticeships and the role they play in supporting people into skilled careers. Earlier in the week it hosted the national finals of NCG Skills, welcoming learners from five NCG colleges to test their technical skills and knowledge against their peers and in front of industry supporters and employer judges.

The full list of the 2023 Newcastle College Apprenticeship Awards winners is as follows:

 

  • Apprentice Champion of the Year – Paul Martin, ABS Precision
    (Sponsored by Sterling Pharma Solution) 
  • Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – Niall Martin, John Flowers (Flat and Industrial Roofing) Ltd
    (Sponsored by Brookvale Group Ltd) 
  • Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Tom Smith, Orchard House Foods
    (Sponsored by WD Close) 
  • Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year – Ying Wei, Multi-Lab
    (Sponsored by SIAS) 
  • Apprenticeship Employer and Mentor of the Year – JT Dove 
    (Sponsored by Persimmon Homes)