College celebrates apprentices at awards ceremony

Inspirational special guest speaker and Mountaineer, Ellis Stewart, presented at the event and spoke of how his hard work and dedication enabled him to achieve his dreams and ambitions through his exploits in mountaineering.

In 2014 and again in 2015 he survived the two worst disasters in the history of Mount Everest climbing whilst attempting to reach the summit of the mountain. He uses his experiences out on the mountain in Nepal as the basis by which to deliver a highly engaging and inspirational tale of hope over adversity and tragedy.

Ellis was delighted to be invited to present at the ceremony and said, “My story has a tragic element but it also has a feel good factor; it’s about your journey and achieving your dreams is the fundamental message.

“The students in the audience tonight are a fantastic age group to present to; I was around their age when I found my passion in mountaineering. My advice to them is to go for it, have the courage and don’t let anything or anyone detract your ambitions, have the courage to strive, and find your own Everest.”

The event was very well supported with nearly 200 guests made up of students, parents, carers, employers and staff. Fifteen awards were presented at the event with dedicated sponsors from employers that the College works closely with including: Howarth Timber Windows and Doors, British Steel, G. S. Kelsey Ltd, Schwarzkopf, Imperial Commercials, CR Parrott Consultants Ltd, R J Coleman, Bradbury Group, Elite Care Solutions Ltd, Halfords Trade, Howarth Timber Windows and Doors, R J Coleman, Switched Positive Electrical Contractors Ltd, Ongo Recruitment and The Bank Hairdressing.

North Lindsey College is proud to declare that they have over 650 apprentices and as part of the National Apprenticeship Week they are targeting additional growth through ‘100 apprentices in 100 days’ to secure additional opportunities.

Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Ongo Recruitment was received by Steve Sowerby (Managing Director) from TG Sowerby Developments Ltd. Over the years TG Sowerby have taken on over 100 apprentices and Steve was an Apprentice at the College in 1982-1984.

Steve was delighted to be nominated for an award and said, “I am ever so proud; proud to be nominated and proud that I won. I went through the apprenticeship route and wanted to give something back with opportunities. Listening to Ellis speak was really inspirational and his key messages I could really relate to. Most of all I enjoy giving back the opportunities to others.”

Winner of the Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by Elite Care Solutions, was received by Callum Scott O’Rourke, he commented, “I am really pleased about my award and I want to thank my employer, Amara Care, for giving me this opportunity. I was shocked when I won – it took me by surprise. I want to work in the care sector with people with disabilities and especially those with Autism.”

Callum’s mum, Morag O’Rourke, attended the event and said, “I’m really proud of Callum and he has worked hard for his achievement. He wants to help people with disabilities and help give them a better life. The ceremony was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed.”