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BUSINESS
AWARDS
2025

19TH JUNE 2025

18:30 - 22:30

WINTER GARDENS, WESTON-SUPER-MARE

This year’s event takes place at the Winter Gardens on Thursday 19th June, and will celebrate the excellence of our apprentices, trainees, and learners that completed an industry placement - as well as recognising the work of our business network.

Timeline for event

NOMINATIONS EXPLAINED

The Weston College Business Awards celebrate the outstanding partnership between learners and employers. Winners in each category will showcase a learner and their employer from the same organisation, highlighting exceptional collaboration and excellence within the company. Take a look at last year’s winners below.  

Written nominations are open until 4th February. After this, shortlisted nominees will be invited to participate in video nominations, which will take place between 24th February and 14th March. Judges will only review the video nominations, so this is your opportunity to shine! If shortlisted, we will contact you to arrange a filming slot. 

Nominations have now been carefully shortlisted and all nominations films will be sent to our soon to be announced judging panel. 

Our 2025 Award Categories

The Adult Training Partnership Award celebrates the accomplishments of adult learners who have successfully completed an Adult Training course. This award also acknowledges the vital role of the partnering organisation that facilitated the training and provided essential support to the learner throughout their journey.

SHORTLISTED:
- Jack Goodall & A&D 4X4
- Preslava Noneva-Kostadinova & Yeo Valley
- Geerthana Anantharajah & ICTS UK Ltd

The Apprenticeship Partnership Award celebrates the success of learners who have successfully completed an apprenticeship, whilst developing their skills and having significant impact for their employer. This award also acknowledges the vital role of the partnering organisation that facilitated the training and provided essential support to the learner throughout their journey.

SHORTLISTED:
- Lennon Batchelor & The Railway Inn (Thatchers Cider)
- Hannah Gould & Elmtree Learning Partnership
- George Evans & Bristol Port Company

The Career Excellence Hub Partnership Award celebrates the outstanding collaboration between our learners and the Career Excellence Hub (CEH) Partners. These partnerships play a pivotal role in shaping a career-focused study programme, seamlessly integrating real-world experiences with curriculum learning.

CEH Partners contribute to this transformative journey through a range of impactful activities, including: employer briefs, masterclasses, guest lectures, motivational speeches, simulated work environments, competitions, employer or careers-focused trips and visits, curriculum-led careers weeks, industry recognised qualifications, subject specific enrichment /enhancement activities or additional placement activity. This award acknowledges the vital contributions of our CEH Partners in equipping learners with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary for career success.

SHORTLISTED:
- Puxton Park
- Cadbury House by Doubletree Hilton
- Lloyds Banking Group

The Degree Apprenticeship Partnership Award showcases the fantastic work of learners during their degree apprenticeship. It takes into consideration their impact and their development throughout the apprenticeship. This award also acknowledges the vital role of the partnering organisation, who support the learner daily and provide them with opportunities to thrive.

SHORTLISTED:
- Jack Biggs & MBDA UK Ltd
- Immanuel Oyetunde & Airbus
- Rebecca Cheeseman & North Somerset Council

The Industry Placement Partnership Award celebrates learners who have gone above and beyond in successfully completing their Industry Placement as part of their full-time course at the College. This award also acknowledges the outstanding support and collaboration of the business that hosted and guided the learner throughout their placement journey.

SHORTLISTED:
- Greta Atanasova & Occuteach Ltd
- Nanzahyi Wasike & University Hospitals Bristol and Weston
- Will McKillop-Duffy & Haley Engineering

The Into Work Partnership Award honours the achievements of learners participating in our Into Work supported internships, designed for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities who aspire to enter employment. This award also celebrates the dedication of the employers who host these internships and provide invaluable support to the learners on their journey toward meaningful employment.

SHORTLISTED:
- Jaydon Jones & The Lauriston
- Harry Bessant & Bakers Dolphin
- Jay Tinnion & Bristol City Football Club

The Community Project Partnership Award recognises an outstanding project that has made a significant positive impact on the community. It honours initiatives that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving the lives of community members. Eligible projects may address social, environmental, educational, or cultural needs and should showcase measurable outcomes that have contributed to community well-being.

SHORTLISTED:
- Ignite & Avon Fire and Rescue
- Weston Hospicecare Enterprise Challenge
- Media Charity Showcase Project

The Pathways for Young People Partnership Award celebrates the achievements of learners who have gained experience with employers, before successfully landing apprenticeship opportunities. It celebrates their success and development. This award also acknowledges the vital role of the partnering organisation, and their passion for creating opportunities to enter the world of work - something which is essential for the learner on their journey.

SHORTLISTED:
- Maisie Turney & Haywood Village Academy
- Nikita Heeley & University Hospitals Bristol and Weston

Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities? Contact us at marketing@weston.ac.uk

WANT TO WORK WITH US?
GET IN TOUCH:

01934 411 549 ENQUIRIES@WESTON.AC.UK

LAST YEARS WINNERS

Our 2024 Business Awards were a huge success, recognising learners and employers who study or work with Weston College

Click here to read the full story from last year’s event

Darvey, standing on stage with her employer, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting her award

Darcey Winter

Business, Finance & Professional Services Partnership Award

North Somerset Council

Darcey is a dedicated legal practitioner in the Childcare Legal Team at North Somerset Council, currently completing her Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship.

Knightstone Campus

Evan Williams

Construction Partnership Award

S J Plumbing & Heating

Evan is excelling in his plumbing apprenticeship with S.J. Price Plumbing and Heating. His work ranges from bathroom installations to fitting boilers, and he consistently impresses with his versatility and skill.

Lewis, standing on stage with his employer, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting his award

Lewis McKeating

Digital Partnership Award

MDBA

Lewis is a fourth-year software apprentice at MBDA UK Ltd. Throughout his apprenticeship, he has developed a wide range of skills, including project management, time management, and communication.

Damien, standing on stage with his employer, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting his award

Damien Pearcey

The Luke Wheaton Engineering and Automotive Partnership Award

Amey Briggs

Damien completed the HGV Bootcamp at Weston College’s Construction Training Centre, which led to employment with AmeyBriggs. After just six days of training, Damien passed his exam on the first attempt

Lola, standing on stage with her employer, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting her award

Lola Fitzpatrick

Health, Sport & Community Partnership Award

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston

Lola recently completed her traineeship with UHBW and impressed so much that she has now become an apprentice maternity support worker at St Michael’s Hospital.

Ruby, standing on stage with her employer, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting her award

Ruby Johnson

Education and Service Sectors Partnership Award

Little Bears Nursery

Ruby is a proactive apprentice who continues to impress throughout her journey. She started as a Level 2 learner on a placement before becoming an apprentice.

Tom, standing on stage with his employer, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting his award

Tom Collier

Industry Placement Partnership Award

Lloyds Bank

Tom is currently studying a Digital T Level, and recently completed his placement with Lloyds Banking Group as a Data Analyst. Tom has brought a fresh approach to the team, which has been beneficial to Lloyds.

Mark, standing on stage with his employer, guide dog, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting his award

Mark Catton

Adult Training Partnership Award

Somerset NHS Trust

Mark completed a Sector Based Work Academy and is now employed by Yeovil Hospital. After impressing throughout his course, Mark received career coaching, which helped him secure his role within the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

Joshua, standing on stage with his employer, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting his award

Joshua Hailings-Reynolds

Into Work Partnership Award

Elborough Care Services

Josh recently completed a supported internship with Elborough Care Services and is eagerly anticipating the start of his marketing apprenticeship with them. His manager praises him as young, vibrant, and a source of fresh perspectives for the organisation.

Shayla, standing on stage with her employer, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting her award

Shayla Ladipo

Traineeship Partnership Award

Tax Assist Accountants

Shayla is a Business Administration apprentice with TaxAssist Accountants, having recently completing her traineeship. Shayla’s potential was clear to see on the traineeship, showcasing her confidence and enthusiasm, which really stood out during that placement.

Riley, standing on stage with his employer, Jaqui Ford and Joe Simms accepting his award

Riley Burton

Apprenticeship Partnership Award

Rotamec

Riley has been described as the best apprentice Rotamec Engineering Solutions has ever had. His impressive attitude and clear passion for engineering is evident to everyone.

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