APPRENTICES training at Worcester College of Technology have picked up a host of awards.

The college’s apprentice awards event recognised and celebrated the considerable achievements of success for 2007/08.

The event was held at Worcester Rugby Club in the Sixways suite.

Currently more than 350 apprentices receive training both at Worcester College of Technology and in the workplace through work-based learning schemes.

College principal Chris Morecroft said: “The college would not be able to offer these schemes without the support of many employers throughout the local area who provide work-based training opportunities for these young people.

“The evening was a huge success with more than 180 apprentices, employers and parents in attendance.

“This evening is one of the best evenings in the college calendar.

“It gives us the chance to celebrate the enormous achievements that our apprentices make over the year.

“The college is getting more students than ever into the finals of regional and national skills competitions.

“This year we have a student competing to get into the UK team for the World Skills Finals in plumbing, which will be held in Calgary, Canada in 2009.”

Guest speakers for the evening were Mr Morecroft and Tony Shaw from Speller Metcalfe.

Each department presented their chosen awards for apprentice and advanced apprentice of the year.

Individual departments also nominated awards for overall apprentice and advanced apprentice of the year and employer of the year.

The college’s executive team selected the winners of these awards.

The overall apprentice of the year was Joe Stabbins and advanced apprentice of the year was Gabor Gyurko.

The award for employer of the year was presented to Steve Gooch estate agents in recognition of its continual support to young people and work-based learning.

The full list of awards is as follows:

HAIR AND BEAUTY

Apprentice of the Year, Barbering – Natasha Anthony Apprentice of the Year, Hairdressing – Amy Dyer Employer Training and Enterprise Apprentice of the Year, Sale of Residential Property – Carly Matthews Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Business Administration – Joanne Williams

HOSPITALITY

Apprentice of the Year, Professional Cookery – Luke Layton Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Professional Cookery – Gabor Gyurko

CONSTRUCTION

Apprentice of the Year, Wood Occupations – Tim Harman Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Wood Occupations – Matthew Woods Apprentice of the Year, Trowel Occupations – Tom Furber Advanced Apprenticeship of the Year, Trowel Occupations – Carl McLoughlin Apprenticeship of the Year, Plumbing – Joseph Stabbins Advanced Apprenticeship of the Year, Plumbing – Matthew Haines

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Electrical Installation – Joe Whatmore