Students and partners celebrated at our annual Apprenticeship and Employer Awards

Trafford & Stockport College Group proudly celebrated the achievements of its apprentices and employer partners at the highly anticipated Apprenticeship and Employer Awards.

The event was a vibrant celebration of excellence and partnership, shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent emerging from across the region. The evening recognised both individual apprentices and the employers who support them.

Awards were presented across a variety of sectors, with inspirational stories shared about dedication, professional growth, and overcoming adversity. From STEM and construction to health, education, and business, the winners and highly commended nominees represented the very best of Trafford and Stockport College Group’s apprenticeship programmes.

Among the evening’s highlights:

  • Liam Riley was named STEM Apprentice of the Year, honoured for his resilience and innovation in the face of personal tragedy. Olivia Grantham was also Highly Commended in this category for her dedication and team spirit.
  • Jessika Higgins won Commercial Services Apprentice of the Year, commended for her initiative and teamwork.
  • Eugene O’Regan was recognised as Business and Professional Apprentice of the Year, having shown leadership and strength while undergoing cancer treatment. Sophie Lowrey received a Highly Commended award in the same category for her inspiring teaching practice and creativity.
  • Stephanie King received the Construction Trades Apprentice of the Year award for her flawless technical achievements and problem-solving mindset.
  • Giorgi Evans was awarded Early Years, Health and Education Apprentice of the Year, praised for completing two apprenticeships while overcoming personal and health challenges.
  • Rachel Hale, who joined mid-programme and swiftly rose to leadership within the NHS, was awarded Higher Education Apprentice of the YearLeo Rose received a Highly Commended award in this category for their outstanding contributions at Siemens.
  • Saikou Jallow won Industry Placement Student of the Year for his standout work on the Stockroom Project with Stockport Council. Callum Hitchen and Parsa Safei were Joint Highly Commended, recognised for their dedication, extra placements, and community volunteering.
  • Daniel Landa received the Innovation Apprentice of the Year award, recognised for his leadership, initiative, and charitable contributions.

The event also recognised employers who go the extra mile to develop talent and offer meaningful placements, underscoring the vital role industry partnerships play in shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

Employer and partner awards included:

Work Experience Champion Partner of the Year 
Winner: Altrincham BID 
Highly Commended: Robertson Construction 

Industry Placement Partner of the Year 
Winner: Adecco 
Highly Commended: Kier Construction 

Learning Partner of the Year 
Winner: Sharp 
Highly Commended: KAO Data 

Investment in Skills Partner of the Year 
Winner: GMI Construction 
Highly Commended: Manchester Airport Group 

Innovation Partner of the Year 
Winner: Regatta 
Highly Commended: Lancashire Cricket Foundation 

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Small Business 
Winner: The Heatons 
Highly Commended: Howells Railway Products 

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Large Business in Trafford 
Winner: SUEZ 
Highly Commended: Essity 

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Large Business in Stockport 
Winner: MAN Energy 
Highly Commended: Together Trust 

The TSCG IMPACT Award 
Winner: Willmott Dixon 

James Scott, CEO of Trafford & Stockport College Group, praised the winners:

“Our apprentices and T Level students undertaking industry placements are a true reflection of the power of education and determination. They balance work, study, and often personal challenges to achieve remarkable things. We’re equally proud of our employer partners, whose support and collaboration help us create life-changing opportunities. This year, it was great to also recognise employers who have embraced approaches to enhancing skills and productivity through our TSCG Further Education Innovation Programme. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners – your stories are inspiring, and your futures are bright.”