Work-based learners of all ages were honoured for their determination and ambition at Exeter College's annual Skills Awards this week that heard that whilst commerce and industry is constantly changing the need for highly motivated and trained staff continues to be central to business success.

Around 80 guests, including the award winners, their family, friends, College skills officers, the winners' employers, as well as a number of leading figures from the Devon business community celebrated 16 awards ranging from Apprentice in Driving Goods Vehicle to Apprentice Professional Cookery. The Awards ceremony also recognised the crucial role of the employers in supporting the apprentices as they hone their skills within the workplace – putting the theoretical and practical skills from their College training into real practice.

Particular honours went to Apprentice Employer of the Year – Exeter based CP Conversions. The company, established in 2002, specialises in home and loft conversions but has expertise in all areas of building and construction and only employ highly-skilled builders and engineers. Chris Potter and his wife Sue founded the business which is also accredited by the Guild of Master Craftsman and they have trained three apprentice carpenters over the past five years, two of these now completing their level 3 advanced qualifications. Not only was CP Conversions named as Apprentice Employer of the Year but two of their successful apprentices have been recipients of previous Apprentice of the Year awards over the last couple of years. With the business going from strength to strength, Chris Potter is also a local and national hero having helped the BBC's DIY SOS team help a family to get the skilled craftsman they needed to solve their fairly dire DIY situation – and all free of charge.

Paul Champion, head of business solutions, said “Each year, Exeter College hosts the Skills Awards to celebrate the success of our apprentice and work-based learners. All of these students have gone that extra mile in working towards their qualifications, and this event recognises and rewards them for all their hard work. The support these learners receive from their employers is crucial and we are proud that such a wide range of businesses continue to see the benefits of training their workforce – despite the effects of the difficult economic climate.”

Of the 15 other award winners honoured during the awards night many were able to take pride in having to completed the testing apprenticeship training ahead of schedule. Adele Stevens, 22, now working as a an administrator at a local school was praised for the high standard of her level 3 Business Administration qualification and the extra time she spent in lectures supporting another student to get through her Technical Certificate – evidence of the team work that is often cited by employers as an essential quality in the workplace.

Ed Quick, 21 was praised for sheer determination in getting his Driving Goods Vehicle license despite a knee injury which inevitably had an effect on his practical driving skills. Completing his qualifications also ahead of schedule Ed is now able to transport livestock for the family farm in Lapford.

Described by his Skills Officer as having “a natural ability to communicate with service users right from the start” the Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Sam Pritchard, 21, who stood out from other candidates in his interview at Aroha House – a small home for adults with learning difficulties. Now progressing to the Advanced Apprenticeship he was described as a popular staff team member at Aroha House and most importantly with the adults he supports.

The college is continuing to develop new apprenticeship training to answer the demands from the local and regional industry and this year for the first time the awards event celebrated the Technical Theatre Apprentice of the Year – Dominic Purchase, 23, who works at Exmouth Pavilions and attends the College once a week. Described as shy but motivated Dominic has quickly learned the skills involved to become an excellent technician and has grown in confidence. The Pavilions' Theatre manager has no qualms about allowing Dom to head the technical side of shows when Dom's line manager is away and external production companies have not only been keen to subcontract Dom but they have taken his work as an excellent example of the benefits of a Technical Theatre Apprentice and have decided to hire and train with the College their own trainee.

Derek Phillips, Vice President of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Guest of Honour at the event concluded “We are very fortunate that Exeter has such a positive future with the exciting developments at Cranbrook and the Science Park which are real signs of investment in the area. Exeter is growing and continues to attract new businesses that will benefit everyone and apprenticeship training is an excellent way to ensure we continue to have the skilled workforce businesses need to succeed in a competitive market.”