Monday 7th Feb 2011

WHAT better way to celebrate the achievements of Exeter College’s present-day work-based learners than with an awards ceremony hosted in the flagship restaurant of one of the College’s most famous former students, top UK Michelin star chef Michael Caines MBE.

With Michael himself as the guest speaker at the 2010 Skills Awards at aBode Exeter on Monday evening (February 7), from 7pm, this is how the week-long celebrations surrounding national Apprenticeship Week at the College will begin.

With around 80 guests attending – a mixture of award winners, their friends and family, their skills officers and their employers, as well as a number of leading figures from the Devon business community and senior College staff – the night, which includes a presentation ceremony and meal at the award-winning restaurant, will certainly be one to remember.

In addition to Michael Caines, who will be presenting the certificates and awards, other special guests will include Fiona Parsons, Employer Services Manager for the National Apprenticeship Service, and John Chudley, who is the South West Regional Director for the National Apprenticeship Service.

As well as 13 awards, ranging from Advanced Apprentice in Engineering Maintenance to Advanced Apprentice Professional Cookery Student of the Year, an additional award will this year go to Apprentice Employer of the Year, Okehampton-based Quinns Hair Salon.

Paul Champion, Head of Business Solutions, says: “Each year, Exeter College hosts the Skills Awards to celebrate the success of our Apprenticeship and Train to Gain learners. All of these students have gone that extra mile in working towards their qualifications, and this event recognises and rewards them for all the hard work that they have put in.

“The support that these learners have received from their employers has been crucial in them obtaining their qualifications. Our Apprentice Employer of the Year Awards goes some way towards recognising the effort that employers put into the process too, as without their continued support and training, the apprenticeship programme would not continue to grow at Exeter College.”

He adds: “Michael Caines originally started his career as a student with us here at Exeter College and his achievements clearly show how far you can go, through hard work, dedication and commitment. Hopefully, some of tonight’s award winners will, like Michael, one day become hugely successful employers and pass on their skills to the next generation of apprentices.”