Apprentices and employers celebrated at B&FC awards

The awards were hosted by Rock FM's Joel Ross, and Blackpool and The Fylde College's principal and chief executive Bev Robinson, with executive director for B&FC for Business Linda Dean.

Awards highlighted the achievements of both employers and apprentices during a challenging year.

Bev said: "Technical and professional education is invaluable to the economy and provides the skills knowledge and behaviours that employers need to drive their business forward.

"And pivotal to this, is the apprenticeship programme and apprentices and their employers in particular.  

"The Apprenticeship Awards ceremony is our opportunity to recognise the exceptional achievements of both apprentices and their employers; to both congratulate and thank them."

2021 winners

Apprentice of the Year (STEM)

• Winner: Declan Ellis from Wilcox Limousines
• Second place: William Bamber from Cleveleys Tyres

Apprentice of the Year (non-STEM)

• Winner: Elle Barnett from Headstart
• Second place: Olivia Cordingly from Wyre Borough Council

Higher Apprentice of the Year

Lauren Thornborough from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals

SME Employer of the Year

NIS Integrated Limited

Large Employer of the Year

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals

Best Innovation/Impact

Anthony Jacobs, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals

Rising Star

• Winner: Lauren Thornborough from Blackpool Teaching Hospital
• Runners-up: Michelle Walker from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, and Emma Worth from Blackpool Council

Nominations now open for 2022 awards

To nominate an exceptional employer or ambitious apprentice for the 2022 awards, go to apprenticeshipawards.blackpool.ac.uk.

Learn more about apprenticeships with B&FC

Apprenticeships are ideal for every organisation. They either help you upskill colleagues or hire new ones to fill skills gaps.

To find out more, email business@blackpool.ac.uk.