Celebrations all round at Preston College’s sixth annual Exceptional Apprentice and Employer Awards!
On Monday night, the sixth annual Exceptional Apprentice and Employer Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of our dedicated apprentices and the invaluable contributions of our exceptional partners.
Simon Nixon, Principal and Chief Executive says: “These awards hold immense significance and represent our commitment to promoting aspiration in our diverse community. These awards not only recognise the exceptional accomplishments of our apprentices across various industries, but also highlight the pivotal role played by employers in offering transformative learning experiences and opportunities with both apprenticeships and T Level education.”
Preston College alumnus, Paul Woodburn, Director at Robin Oatridge & Co., who now appoints his own apprentices, was the keynote speaker at this year’s awards. He says: “It was both a pleasure and a privilege to be asked to be the keynote speaker at this year’s event. Michelle and I were truly moved by the stories shared by the attendees, each one offering a unique and inspiring journey. Hearing about the challenges some of them have overcome and the remarkable achievements the apprentices have made was nothing short of uplifting. The incredible partner employers that the College works with, and who have shown so much support to their apprentices, is so pleasing to see. The evening was filled with such a sense of positivity and motivation, and we’re grateful to have been a part of such a meaningful and enjoyable night.”
The winners were announced on the night:
Exceptional Apprentice Winners:
- Leo Crabtree – Engineering Apprentice of the Year
Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician at NIS Engineering Ltd
- Kian Leighton – Automotive Technologies Apprentice of the Year
Level 3 Light Goods Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance Technician at Chorley Autocare
- Aiden Beattie – Construction Apprentice of the Year
Level 2 Bricklayer at Precision Brickwork (NW) Ltd
- Alicia Cobham – Hair & Beauty Apprentice of the Year
Level 2 Hair Professional at Foran & Blake
- Chloe Sumner – Business & Management Apprentice of the Year
Level 3 Business Administrator at Shout Connect
- Brian Hall – Health & Science Apprentice of the Year
Level 2 Pharmacy Technician at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
- Liga Kokarevica – Beyond Limits Apprentice of the Year
Level 3 Wellbeing & Holistic Therapist at Cleopatra’s Total Face & Body Care
Apprentice of the Year: Chloe Sumner
Exceptional Employer – Preston College Choice Awards Winners:
- SIKA Ltd
- Fylde Borough Council
- ML Decorating Ltd
- Salon No.7
- Skiddle Ltd
- Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Exceptional Employer – Apprentice Choice Awards Winners:
- Viking Engineering
- Marc’s Garage
- S & N Bathroom
- Grande Locks by Lauren Walker Hair Salon
- Service Care Solutions Ltd
- Royal Blackburn Hospital
Chloe Sumner, Apprentice of the Year 2025 and Level 3 Business Administrator at SHOUT Connect says; “I am honoured to have won both the Business and Management Award and Apprentice of the Year at the Preston College Apprenticeship Awards. It’s an amazing feeling to be recognised for my dedication, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next. A big thank you to Preston College for this incredible recognition and for all the support along the way.”
Ian Coupe, Managing Director at Shout Connect says, “We are incredibly proud of Chloe for receiving the Business and Management Apprentice of the Year award, as well as the Apprentice of the Year award for 2025. These accolades are a testament to her dedication, hard work, and commitment throughout her apprenticeship journey. Chloe is an invaluable part of our team at Shout Connect, and we are excited to see her continue to grow and succeed as she progresses into her degree apprenticeship. We look forward to supporting her every step of the way.”
Jose Sedano-Martinez, Chair of the Board of Governors at Preston College, concludes: “The event was a true celebration of dedication, resilience, and the incredible journeys of both our apprentices and their employers. It was a privilege to witness such inspiring stories and to see first-hand the impact of the dedication and hard work. The evening demonstrated the power of partnership and community, and we could not be prouder of what we have accomplished together. We look forward to this continuing.”
Click here to watch a short video of the evening. (Credit Jake Moore, Level 3 Media (Film & Photography)
Photos to follow.
