City of Bristol College’s annual Student Awards Evening was an inspiring celebration of achievements, and an endorsement of the College’s work with employers to create quality opportunities for students to learn and work.
Nineteen awards were presented to recognise the hard work, progress and contribution made by students and employers during the past year.
Ali Vowles, BBC Points West and Radio Bristol presenter, was the keynote speaker at the event, which was hosted by Paris Troy, former Heart Radio breakfast show presenter. Ali, who was born in Bristol and spent her childhood and most of her career in the South West, gave an inspiring speech taking the audience through her learning and career journey.
She commented: “There are so many inspirational people receiving awards tonight, showing the level of commitment, encouragement and support that students at City of Bristol College receive from their teachers. I’m very proud to have been a part of tonight’s event and wish all winners and nominees luck in their futures.”
Richard Harris, Acting Principal and Chief Executive at City of Bristol College, was delighted to see students and employers receive their well-deserved awards. He said: “Our annual awards evening is a highlight of the college year as it radiates the great pride that we feel about our students, our college, our partnerships and our city.
“Our fantastic teachers and the employers we work with, make sure that our students are given opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to progress and succeed. These awards recognise the personal accomplishments, academic achievements and progress of students who have done just that. We applaud their hard work, commitment and motivation; we congratulate them on their success; and look forward to their bright futures.
“Success is rarely achieved alone however, so it is important to acknowledge and thank the family, friends, staff and employers who have supported our students during their time at college. They have undoubtedly, contributed significantly to their achievements.
“This is also a great opportunity to highlight the enormous value to be gained from educators and employers working together. At City of Bristol College, we collaborate with our partners to create a variety of opportunities for students to learn and work, and to deliver talented, skilled and enthusiastic employees to help the city’s businesses to thrive. I would like to thank our employers for their continued support and for their sponsorship of our awards this evening.
City of Bristol College students Ikra Akhtar and Ruby Beth Williams were thrilled when they found out they had won the Principal’s Award.
Ikra Akhtar commented: “I feel proud to receive this award as my hard work and effort has been recognised. I get fantastic support at the college and the teachers have inspired me to push myself to reach my potential. I’ve gained educational and practical experience to prepare me for the future and improving my English and maths skills has helped me progress in all areas of my studies.”
A cheerful Ruby Beth Williams said: “I’m amazed to be given an award because I didn’t do well at school. I’m much happier at college because I’m learning about something that I’ve wanted to do all my life – it has made me have a brighter look on life. My teacher is really good, she explains everything clearly and I like college because I am treated like an adult. Winning the Principal’s Award is recognition of all my hard work – thank you.”
The following awards were presented on the night of the event:
Outstanding Achievement Award– Under 19s
Winner: Reece Applin
Course studied: Bench Joinery (Intermediate Apprenticeship), Bristol City Council
Sponsored by: Bespoke
Outstanding Achievement Award – Adults
Winner: Ewan Hale
Course studied: Access to Higher Education Diploma Level 3
Sponsored by: Taylor Shaw
Effort and Determination Award – Under 19s
Winner: Adrian Robins
Course studied: Prince’s Trust
Sponsored by: Accent
Effort and Determination Award – Adults
Winner: Ikra Akhtar
Courses studied: Childcare & Education Level 3 Diploma
Sponsored by: Accent
Contribution to the Community Award– Under 19s
Winner: Maisey Clough
Course studied: Beauty Therapy Diploma Level 2
Sponsored by: St Monica Trust
Contribution to College Life Award – Under 19s (Joint Award)
Winner: Callum Holt and Tara Welch
Course studied: Health & Fitness Diploma Level 2
Sponsored by: Kiss
Contribution to College Life Award – Adults
Winner: Joel England
Course studied: Supported Internship
Sponsored by: Taylor Shaw
Apprentice of the Year Award – Under 19s
Winner: Georgia Talbot
Course studied: Accounting (Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships), with DoubleTree by Hilton
Sponsored by: South West Apprenticeship Company
Apprentice of the Year Award – Adults
Winner: Beverley Compton
Course studied: Leadership & Management (Advanced Apprenticeship) with Avon and Somerset Police
Sponsored by: Royds Withy King
Progression Award – Under 19s
Winner: Amelia Boult
Course studied: Culinary Skills Certificate Level 2
Sponsored by: Barclays
Progression Award – Adults
Winner: Hamilton Smith
Course studied: Community Development Certificate Level 2
Sponsored by: Barclays
Early College Award
Winner: Sophie Lawrence
Course studied: Hair & Beauty Diploma, Level 1
Sponsored by: City Restaurant
Star Award
Winner: Ruby Beth Williams
Course studied: Health & Social Care Foundation Learning Certificate Level 1
Sponsored by: Bristol Live
Community Partner of the Year Award
Winner: Brentry and Henbury Children’s Centre
Partnership details: Community Volunteering Programme
Sponsored by: Heart FM
Employer Partner of the Year Award
Winner: Swissport GB Ltd (at Bristol Airport)
Partnership details: Learning and employment opportunities for aviation students
Sponsored by: Sounds Commercial
Employer Partner of the Year Award
Winner: Star Legal
Partnership details: Accounting Apprenticeships
Sponsored by: Sounds Commercial
Lee Sheriton Award for Endeavour
Winner: Lewis Fry
Course studied: Diploma in Interactive Media with Games Design Level 3
Principal’s Award
Winner: Ruby Beth Williams
Course studied: Health & Social Care Foundation Learning Certificate Level 1
Principal’s Award
Winner: Ikra Akhtar
Courses studied: Childcare & Education Level 3 Diploma
The awards event, which was held at the College’s fantastic South Bristol Skills Academy, was a great opportunity for hospitality and floristry students to showcase their skills. A delicious buffet was prepared and served to guests by catering and hospitality students and the venue was decorated with striking floral arrangements.
