IT was a big night for the area’s apprentices when Worcestershire Group Training Association held its annual awards evening at Worcester Rugby Club.

The event marked the achievements of more than 300 apprentices in engineering, business and administration, customer service, accountancy and warehouse and distribution.

The awards were presented by David Grant, TV presenter and celebrity vocal coach, who gave a motivational speech to the young apprentices.

Among the special award winners were: Peter Cowman, of Bosch Thermotechnology UK (Engineering Apprentice of the Year – first year); Rachel Murdoch, of Yamazaki Mazak (Engineering Apprentice Progress – first year); John Bardell, of Mettis Aerospace (Best Maintenance Apprentice – first year); Adam Quayle, of Allen Gears (Best Machinist Apprentice – first year); Daniel Wright, of EMPS (Commitment to Training – post first year); Grant Campbell, of Yamazaki Mazak (Best Overall Engineering Apprentice); Amie Le-Couilliard, of Millbridge Homes (Commerce Endeavour Award); Rebecca Humphries, of Pumpmaster UK (Commerce Apprentice of the Year – Level 3); Jennifer Cornelissen, of Leukaemia Care (Commerce Apprentice of the Year – Level 2); Alix Troughton, of Age Concern (WGTA Special Achievement Award).

The Employer of the Year award went to Bosch Thermotechnology UK.