Carlisle College Celebrates Outstanding Achievement

Carlisle College has held their annual awards event, with a total of twenty eight awards presented throughout the evening, recognising the continuous effort and outstanding achievements of learners and the relationship that the College has had with employers over the last academic year.

Tom Percival was presented with the “I did it” Award, a learner who has overcome adversity and achieved. Tom came to Carlisle College to “turn his life around” and with the support of the College he has done just that. Tom, who has progressed on to a Level 1 Extended Certificate in Construction, recently attended work experience with a local joinery firm as a next step in achieving his goal to become a joiner – to get there he biked across Carlisle with the aim of getting to work for 7.30am, he was so worried about being late he turned up at 6.15am and had to walk round a nature reserve to pass the time. Even the idea of going on work experience is something Tom would not have previously considered.

Melanie Murray, Level 4 IT Software & Telecom Professional was awarded ‘Carlisle College Apprentice of the Year’ acknowledging that she is always keen to learn and has completed some excellent pieces of work as well as developing her knowledge both in the classroom and in the workplace at Nestle. Meanwhile Lauren Robson, Health Studies Pathway was awarded ‘Carlisle College Learner of the Year’. Lauren has not given up when others would, working hard and with conviction achieving merits and distinctions in her work throughout the year.

Steven Salked, Acting Principle at Carlisle College said, “The commitment and dedication shown by our learners has been outstanding and it is therefore fitting to recognise their achievements.

The Awards Evening celebrated something special, Steven Continues, “We have learners who have been nominated for awards not just because they have or will achieve, but because they have excelled.”

Highlighting the close relationship Carlisle College has with leading local employers, the awards evening was kindly supported by; David Allen IT Solutions, Carlisle City Council, Pirelli, BSW Timber Group, Cumberland Building Society, Lamont Pridmore, Burnetts, CHO Fashion & Lifestyle and Pioneer Foodservice.

Carlisle College works with over 500 employers across the county. This ranges from the employment of Apprentices, offering valuable work experience for learners or contributing to resources and projects and as such a large number of nominations were submitted for the employer categories.

Tech 4 Office Equipment based in Denton Holme, Carlisle, were awarded ‘Employer of the Year’, recognising the support and proactive contribution they have provided to the curriculum, including the donation of a 3D printer. The ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year’ was presented to Armstrong Watson, who were recognised for their on-going support, mentoring and on-site training offered to their Apprentices and the supportive network they provide.

Zoe Pluckrose-Norman, People Director, Armstrong Watson said “We were absolutely thrilled to win the Carlisle College ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year’ which recognises the support that we give our apprentices and our approach to training. Our managers make sure our apprentices have a great experience of working in accounting and I know our apprentices really appreciate that we offer day release to help ensure that they have the best opportunity to do well in their studies. We have apprenticeships across our firm, from Leeds up to Dumfries, our firm was started 150 years ago in Carlisle so receiving this award from our “home” town was great.”

The evening was supported by Carlisle College Catering & Hospitality students and Music Technology students who helped the event run smoothly. Level 3 Music group 'Vocal Ensemble' performed on the evening, as well as an acoustic performance from music student Emily Reay.

Carlisle College have over 100 courses and over 100 Apprenticeships starting this September. For more information or to apply visit www.carlisle.ac.uk