Hundreds of apprentices and their employers gathered at Ashton Gate Stadium to take part in City of Bristol College’s Apprenticeship Awards evening.

Now in its fourth year, the event recognises the outstanding achievements of the College’s Apprenticeship students, who completed their framework by the end of July 2011, and their employers.

Apprenticeship students and their employers received a range of awards on the evening. Categories included ‘Apprentice of the Year’ (for individuals who have shown outstanding commitment and progress), ‘Employer of the Year’ (to acknowledge the support given to apprentices by their employers) and this year for the first time the ‘Caroline Cowles Award’. This award recognises individuals who demonstrate real growth and determination and is in honour of a former College staff member who sadly passed away in 2011.

Guest speakers included Claire Young, the no-nonsense business woman who is well known for reaching the final of series 4 of BBC1’s, The Apprentice, Keith Elliott (Principal, City of Bristol College) and former apprentice Rob Stokes (Deputy Editor of the Bristol Evening Post). The awards were presented by the Heart Bristol Breakfast team.

There are currently more than 1,500 Apprenticeship students at the College. Claire Arbery, Head of Apprenticeships at City of Bristol College, commented:

“We are delighted that the Apprenticeship Awards are going from strength to strength. We recognise the importance of Apprenticeships to the economy of Bristol, and this is why we hold an event each year to celebrate the achievements of every apprentice we train, and their employers.

“This year in particular, when young people are struggling to find employment in the city, the awards highlight to Bristol employers and the wider community the benefits that apprentices can offer the local economy. The event was a great success and I want to send my congratulations to all of the winners.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships in Bristol.