Apprentices receive awards delivered by hand
5th August 2021
East Riding College’s annual apprenticeships awards were personally delivered to their recipients at their place of work by members of the business development team in 2021, because of the restrictions on public events.
The novel approach was taken as winners were not able to attend the traditional glittering ceremony usually held at the Beverley Racecourse and attended by apprentices and their employers and assessors, as well as family and friends.
Richard Sellick, Director of Business Development said, “We thought it was still very important following the unusual year that they have had, that apprentices were recognised for their achievements, dedication and hard work, even if we could not have a formal ceremony. Our apprentices have been fantastic this year, especially when you consider the disruption caused by the pandemic over the last 18 months.
“We had so many nominations and it was difficult to choose the winners, as all our nominated apprentices were making a real difference to their employers’ businesses at such a difficult time. Our winners represent a wider group of outstanding young people and adults who are working hard for their employers through tough times. Everyone at the College wishes them and their employers every success in the future.”
Apprentices were nominated by their employers from across the region, and across all apprenticeship levels. A wide range of apprentices won apprentice of the year in their respective industries, and two apprentices won outstanding contribution awards.
Megan Johnson, aged 23 from Bridlington, was nominated by her employer Cranswick Country Foods for an outstanding contribution award in the large employer category. She won for the immediate impact she had made in her business administrator apprentice role. Her employer applauded her highly professional and enthusiastic approach to her work. Jackie Riggall, cold store manager at the national food producer based in Hull said, “After a few short months Megan was competent to balance stocks weekly and assist in stock control. Megan worked flexibly to cover for unavoidable staff absence and remained calm and professional, her approach is commendable, she is confident and ask questions so that she has a full understanding of site processes. We’re delighted that she won the outstanding contribution award and we’re very proud – she really deserves it.”
Elisha Ellerington aged 18 from Hull, received an outstanding contribution award in the small employer category, nominated by her employer KarAesthetics Limited. She won for her teamwork, positive attitude and support for her colleagues and the business, including thinking of revenue ideas to keep the business going during the pandemic and handling social media enquiries.
Kara Huggins, Director at KarAesthetics said, “She goes above and beyond every working hour, and more. From day one she has been a breath of fresh air. The positive attitude she adopts in everything she does is contagious; she is a pleasure to work with. Her fast ability to learn new skills is inspiring, and it makes us proud every day to see her progress in her career and overcome the challenges faced due to Covid. We can’t remember what working life was like without her – how did we cope? She is outstanding!”
Other winners on the night included Kian Rigden and Lewis Rennison.
Kain Rigden from Driffield who won the Apprentice of the Year for Motor Vehicle. He works at Paul Harrison Cars nr Driffield.
Kain was nominated by his employer Andrew, who said: “We’re very proud of Kain’s hard work over the last two years, he really deserves the award and the recognition.”
Kain said, “I was nominated last year but didn’t win, so I was surprised and delighted to have won this year. It’s been a struggle doing the apprenticeship during the pandemic – having to self-isolate and having to do everything differently and not so hands-on. I’d like to thank Andrew at Paul Harrison’s for nominating me and supporting me throughout my apprenticeship.”
Lewis Rennison from Beverley works at Daco Solutions in Beverley. He won Apprentice of the Year for Science & Engineering.
His boss Mike Fretter who is the production manager and mechatronic engineer at Daco nominated him for his maturity, eagerness, technical progress and innovative thinking. He said: “We’re dead proud of him, he’s been great. Definitely deserving of the award. He’s just constantly trying to learn new things, researching new topics and he’s surprised us with his knowledge, to be honest.”
Lewis said: “I’m really pleased to win. It was a surprise! I’ve been working here a while now and it’s been good fun, I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed working here, it’s been a nice apprenticeship. I’m now working towards my end point assessment and hope to carry on at College, maybe doing a top-up degree eventually.”
Stephanie Brenner from Karro Food Limited won apprentice of the year for Human Resources. Stephanie won for her energy, enthusiasm, diligence, commitment and professional courage.
Sam Scott-Cook from Country Style Foods Limited won apprentice of the year for Electrical and HS. Sam won for his hard work, growth in confidence and his positive attitude. His employer wanted to recognise his contribution and value, which also got Sam voted employee of the month.
Natasha McDermont from Heald Limited won apprentice of the year for Customer Service and Retail. Natasha won for her motivation to learn and develop in her new role and taking everything in her stride.
Megan Johnson from Cranswick Country Foods won the Outstanding Contribution Award (Large Employer). Megan won for the immediate impact she had made in her business administrator apprentice role.
Louie Murray from G Colman Joinery Limited won apprentice of the year for Construction. Louie won for progressing his skills, work ethic and bringing positivity to the workplace, as well as adding value to the business.
Lewis Rennison from Daco Solutions Limited won apprentice of the year for Science and Engineering. Lewis’ employers applaud his eagerness to learn, solid skill set and maturity. He has progressed technically and academically.
Lewis Dagless from Cleaning and Paper Disposable Limited won apprentice of the year for AAT. Lewis won for his excellent attitude towards learning and eagerness to understand more and pursue continued professional development.
Laura Roe from Saints and Sinners won apprentice of the year for Hospitality and Catering. Laura won because she has picked things up very quickly at her workplace and even introduced new products that are proving popular.
Kate Locker from Flamborough Pre-School won apprentice of the year for Early Years and Care. Kate was an outstanding apprentice who showed devotion to the pre-school and remarkable efforts to enhance her knowledge in Early Years Care and Education.
Kain Ridgen from Paul Harrison Car Sales Ltd won apprentice of the year for Motor Vehicle. Kain has proved to be a breath of fresh air, and his employers are very impressed by his work and the courtesy he shows to staff and customers.
Ellie Cornes from The Orb Hair and Beauty won apprentice of the year for Hairdressing. Ellie won for her positivity and willingness to learn. She has come a long way in a short time.
Elisha Ellerington from KarAesthetics Limited won the Outstanding Contribution Award (Small Employer). Elisha won for her teamwork, positive attitude and support for her colleagues and the business.
Caitlin Dixon from The Powder Room (Hull) Limited won apprentice of the year for Beauty. Caitlin won for her professionalism and outstanding practical skills.
Abigail Thompson from A & B Healthcare Limited won apprentice of the year for Business Administration. Abigail won for showing commitment and dedication to everything she does, her positive, hard-working attitude and setting a brilliant example to others.