During National Apprenticeship Week (February 6-12), Cirencester College is celebrating by recognising its top performing apprentices.

A record number of apprentices were commended for their outstanding achievement and contribution to the college and community at the college's recent annual awards ceremony.

Phoebe Hodsman was named the Cirencester College Apprentice of the Year for her positive attitude and advanced skill set during her HR apprenticeship with Corin Group, which she passed with a distinction grade.

The Digital and IT Apprentice Award, sponsored by Mainstream Digital, was given to Megan Woolls, for her self-motivation and commitment in her IT Solutions apprenticeship with Capita Workforce Management, in which she achieved a distinction.

Newson Films, a company started by former Cirencester College apprentice Connor Newson, awarded Kiara Wakeley, the Newson Films Award for Creative Apprenticeships. Kiara worked with Create Studios and became the first apprentice in England to enrol on and complete the Level 4 media production apprenticeship standard and passed with a top distinction grade.

The Award for Best Employer Contribution to the College Apprenticeships Programme was received by McGill's Chartered Accountants, which has been a huge supporter of the college's apprenticeship programme and has employed eight apprentices through Cirencester College since 2020.

Annabelle Carter, apprenticeship lead at Cirencester College, said: "The Cirencester College Awards Ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to formally recognise the achievements and contributions of some of our outstanding apprentices and employers.

"It was lovely to be able to celebrate with them and to give them the accolades they so thoroughly deserved in front of other award winners, friends and family."

Sarah Helbrow, apprenticeship and employer engagement manager at Cirencester College, said: "Employers recognise that apprenticeships give their companies the opportunity to grow their skills base, which in turn can lead to growth in the business. We pride ourselves in developing genuine partnerships with local employers who have a shared vision about the value and purpose of apprenticeship training.

"Equally, apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to start a career and develop invaluable workplace skills, knowledge and experience. Each year, over 90% of our graduating apprentices gain full-time employment with their apprenticeship employer, a statistic we are very proud of."

Cirencester College is holding an apprenticeship information evening on Tuesday March 7, available to book here.

If your business is thinking of taking on an apprentice, please get in contact with the Cirencester College apprenticeship team at apprenticeships@cirencester.ac.uk.