Members of the public are being invited to help choose Cornwall’s Apprentice Achiever of the Year in a public vote that opened this week.
After a year’s hiatus in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards is returning for the sixth time in 2021.
Nominations have now closed and 46 nominees have been shortlisted across 17 categories for the awards evening, hosted by Pirate FM’s Holly Day and Neil Caddy, on November 19.
The Achiever of the Year category awards an apprentice who has overcome personal challenge or adversity to successfully complete their apprenticeship training and make valuable contributions to their employer.
The inspirational stories of the 2021 Achiever of the Year nominees; Dani Dyer, Leah Richards and Lucas Allen can be found here where members of the public can vote for their winner – voting closes on September 13.
Cited by judges as “determined, courageous and inspirational”, 18-year-old Brandon Penwarden from St Austell Brewery was awarded Achiever of the Year at the most recent Awards in 2019.
Brandon was diagnosed with cancer on the brain when he was 18-months-old. Surgery meant he had to re-learn to walk and talk, putting him two-years behind those of the same age. This also resulted in Hemiplegia (which is paralysis of one side of the body) and doctors said that Brandon would never walk again, but with hard work, Brandon limited the effects to muscles in his left arm.
College principal Martin Tucker commented: “We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the sixth annual Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards and are excited for the event to return to celebrate exceptional achievement and outcomes in Apprenticeship training across Cornwall.
“It’s important we recognise the excellent work that is happening in the county and this event does just that. I’m particularly pleased that we have added the Community Champion category to recognise exceptional contributions throughout the pandemic and the new Health, Care and Public Services category to give focus to exciting apprenticeship developments in these areas and highlight the vital role they have played throughout the pandemic.”
2021 Cornwall Apprenticeship Award Shortlist
Employer categories:
Large Employer of the Year:
- Cornwall Council
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
- St Austell Family Group
SME Employer of the Year:
- Byrne Black Belt Academy
- Corbey Construction
- WES Engineering Solutions
Apprentice of the Year in:
Hospitality:
- Amiee Kent – The Victoria Inn, Threemilestone
- Joshua Pentin – St Austell Family Group
- Tyler Rubidge – Indulge Waffle House
Accountancy:
- Indie Cooper – The Peloton
- Josh Bardon – DL Accounts Ltd
- Tiegan Jewell – A&P Falmouth
Construction and Trade Occupations:
- Alfie Wenden-Hadley – Atlantic Bricklaying Company
- Kris Burdon – Keybuild
- Rory Winch – Duchy Timber Buildings
Health, Care and Public Services:
- Alison Richardson – Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
- Esther Searle – Swallowcourt
- Rohan Goodchild – Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
Digital and IT
- Callum McGovan – Vision Independent Financial Planning
- Hugh Gibbard – Cornwall Council
- Justin Lipkin – Hiyield
Business:
- Alison Thomas – Cornwall Council
- Leah Richards – Byrne Black Belt Academy
- Thomas Connolly – Eden Project International
Management:
- Caitlyn Thewlis – Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
- Emily Stanbury – Falmouth Exeter Plus
- Kayleigh Bailey-Brown – Ann’s Cottage
Marketing:
- Jacob Pursglove – Council of the Isles of Scilly
- Joseph Gunn – Cornwall Council
- Maisy-Sky Lumbers – Penlee House Gallery & Museum and Penzance Council
Hair and Beauty:
- Bailie Robins – MEDfacials
- Brooke Sharkey – Cutting Edge
- Mia Darlington – Marzipan Hair
Motor Vehicle:
- Alex Williams – Nigel Thurley Automotive
- Lerryn Bishop – Collins of Probus
- Lucas Allen – Matt Turner Mechanical Services
Engineering and Manufacturing:
- Daniel Perry – Tresco Estate Partnership
- Jack Robertson – Teagle
- Sam Weedon – Daften Die-Casting
Land-based:
- Kia Cochrane – Tregothnan Estate
- Luke Bradley – Bradley Farm Partnership
- Sam Philp – Hambly’s
Cross-sector awards:
Community Champion:
- Corey Wedlake – Smile Together Dental CIC
- Lilah-Mae Pollard – Coastline Housing
- Stella Atkinson – Bowden Derra Park
Achiever of the Year:
- Dani Dyer – Konnect Communities
- Leah Richards – Byrne Black Belt Academy
- Lucas Allen – Matt Turner Mechanical Services
Cornwall’s Apprentice of the Year 2021:
Nominees will be those that judges scored highest across all other Apprentice categories and will be announced on the awards evening.
