College puts apprenticeships in the spotlight during annual awards

Individuals and businesses from across the region were celebrated during an annual apprentice awards ceremony hosted by Suffolk New College in Ipswich.

The occasion took place at Chefs’ Whites restaurant where all food was created and served by catering and hospitality students.

Proceedings began by a speech from Mike Mulvihill – director of the Suffolk Centre for Culinary Arts – before acting Principal Alan Pease took over as master of ceremonies.

During his speech, Mr Pease said: “We have over 700 apprentices studying with us annually across all sectors of the economy and this event is all about celebrating outstanding achievement. We are committed to supporting employers and apprentices and I’d like to say well done to all of our winners. It is clear from tonight that you have all shown such dedication and commitment.”

11 people picked up accolades for their efforts and two special prizes were given to a runner up and overall apprentice of the year.

The Suffolk New College 2023 apprentice of the year prize went to Ellie Shilling, 19, from Ravenswood in Ipswich. On winning the award, Ellie – who works for Alex Ataide and also received the education and childcare apprentice of the year title – said: “It honestly feels amazing (to win this). I’m really proud of myself and feel I want to achieve new things and progress in the future. This is the start of something special.”

The runner up was Adam Wilson, 30, from Watton in Norfolk. Adam – who works for Barnham Broom Hotel and Country Club near Norwich changed career, moving from outdoor adventure to greenkeeping. In addition to his runner up prize, Adam received the horticulture apprentice of the year award. He said: “When I found out I had won these awards I was proud. I think this will help me in the future. I’m absolutely happy where I am but the dream would be to work at an iconic course like St Andrews – but I love my current role.”

Seven Asset Management were the main sponsors of this event. Greg Shaw is a key account manager for Seven Asset Management and he explained why they backed this event. Greg said: “The topic (apprenticeships) is close to our hearts. I was an apprentice and getting new generations in, is key to our industry.”

Music was performed by students Jake and Zee. Here is a list of all the winners:

Suffolk Winners

Ellie Shilling, 19, from Ravenswood in Ipswich works for Alex Ataide in the town. Ellie received the education and childcare apprentice of the year award as well as being crowned the overall apprentice of the year.

Hannah Watts, 22, from Felixstowe works for House and Hair of Beauty in Ipswich. Hannah won the service industries apprentice of the year award.

Natasha Goldberg, 22, from Somersham works for Skar Precision Moulding Ltd in Hadleigh. Hannah received the business apprentice of the year award. An accolade she has received two years running.

Ryan Austin, 23, from Stowmarket works for Rose Builders in Manningtree. Ryan received the construction apprentice of the year award.

Jack Partridge, 21, from Ipswich works for Nissar and Matt in Ipswich. Jack won the motor vehicle apprentice of the year award.

Zac Land, 20, from Needham Market works for Gipping Construction Ltd based in Ipswich. Zac received the carpentry apprentice of the year honour.

Callum Hayes, 19 from Halesworth works for Porters Farms based in Walpole. Callum won the agricultural apprentice of the year award.

Finley Cartwright, 22, from Ipswich, works for Ceetech based in Bury St Edmunds. Finley received the electrical apprentice of the year honour.

Ben Carter, 20 from Ipswich works for The Gas Shop in Felixstowe. Ben won the plumbing apprentice of the year prize.

Norfolk winners

Matthew Howe, 32, from Saham Waite in Norfolk works for Kier Highways. Matthew received the engineering apprentice of the year prize.

Adam Wilson, 30, from Watton in Norfolk works for Barnham Broom Hotel and Country Club based near Norwich. Adam received the horticulture apprentice of the year prize – as well as being crowned overall runner up.