Students and apprentices who have achieved success, overcome obstacles, and served as outstanding ambassadors for Lakes College have been honored at a dazzling awards ceremony.

The college’s Further Education and Apprenticeship Awards ceremony saw nearly 200 students, apprentices, staff, governors, employers and distinguished guests in attendance and celebrated the outstanding achievements of their most inspirational learners.

The ceremony took place at the college’s Lillyhall campus, with guests invited to enjoy a buffet prepared by the catering students in the on-site Graduates Restaurant before taking their seats for an emotional evening.

The celebration kicked off with a heartfelt speech by Student Governor and Apprentice Sophie Kelly, who shared her inspiring journey as an apprentice and offered valuable tips to current learners.

Chris Nattress, Principal of Lakes College, said: “Our awards are always a highlight of the year for me as we get the chance to shine the spotlight on our FE students and apprentices.

“We are able to celebrate learners and apprentices who are some of the finest role models of everything we aim to promote and exemplify here at Lakes – students who are respectful in their behaviours, ready for the world of work and determined to fulfil their potential in life and their career.

“Congratulations to all students who have been nominated, and thank you to everyone who has played even a small part in these learners’ journey with us at Lakes.”

The awards were sponsored by Galliford Try, Graham Construction, Jacobs and The Shepley Group, as main sponsors, with Cyclife UK and Thomas Armstrong Construction as supporting sponsors.

Ryan Burns from Jacobs presented Electrical student Saman Fateh Alla as Further Education Learner of the Year, while HR Support Apprentice Debbie Fryer was named Apprentice of the Year by Ross Glendinning from Galliford Try.

Damian McCabe from GRAHAM presented Reggie Steele with the Excellence in Work Placement award after receiving amazing feedback from his work placement.

Catering learner, Mark Kennedy was presented the Above and Beyond award by Ryan Christie from The Shepley Group.

Mike Priestley, chair of governors said: “Time and again we hear of the great impression that our learners make by so many different external visitors, their great behaviours, determination and hard work. Our students and apprentices are a shining example of all of those things and more.”

Full List Of Winners

• Engineering and Motor Vehicle Learner of the year – George Benn
• Construction Learner of the year – Saman Fateh Alla
• Service Industries Learner of the year – Erin Harrison
• Public Services Learner of the year – Charlie Barton
• Creative Learner of the year – Jay Symonds-Walton
• Science Learner of the year – Natasha Bell
• Foundation Learning Learner of the year – Carlianne Underwood
• Maths Learner of the year – Ahmed Baloch
• English Learner of the year – Jacob Dineley
• Engineering Apprentice of the year – Oliver Bragg
• Business Apprentice of the year – Debbie Fryer
• Education Apprentice of the year – Lydia Peel
• Social Care Apprentice of the year – Paige Darlington
• Construction Apprentice of the year – Keighton Hewer
• Carlisle Apprentice of the year – Hayden Rae
• T Level learner of the year – Ben Gosling
• Above and Beyond Award Sponsored by The Shepley Group – Mark Kennedy
• Excellence in Work Placement Sponsored by GRAHAM – Reggie Steele
• Apprentice of the year Sponsored by Galliford Try – Debbie Fryer
• Further Education Learner of the year Sponsored by Jacobs – Saman Fateh Alla