Inspirational students, apprentices and employers celebrated at Chesterfield College Group’s awards

Outstanding students, apprentices and employers were given special recognition at Chesterfield College Group’s annual awards ceremony last week.

The event, held at the Proact Stadium and hosted by Peak FM’s breakfast show presenters Ricky Durkin and Becky Hayes, recognised the personal and academic achievements of students at all stages of their educational journey, as well as employers who are committed to developing the skills of their workforce.

Staff from across the college nominated students, apprentices and employers who have demonstrated exceptional ability and commitment over the academic year across eleven award categories.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said:

“It is an honour to be able to celebrate the achievements of these amazing students, apprentices and employers. They have been chosen from over 10,000 students and apprentices and around 4,000 employers to receive an award tonight. It really is a testament to the efforts and achievements they have made this year.”

“It is wonderful to see how The Chesterfield College Group has played a part in helping so many people, at different ages and stages of life, to achieve their goals, to experience new opportunities and to progress into work or further study. I wish them all every success and I look forward to seeing how they use their newly developed skills in the future.”

Winner of the Student of the Year award, Kai Undrell, age 17 from Chesterfield, stood out to judges because of the high standard of his work, his attitude and his commitment to gaining work experience. He is tipped to be the next big film director by the tutors on his media course. He said:

“It’s absolutely incredible to be named as the student of the year. I had some real competition with the other nominees so it was a surprise when my name was announced as the winner. The best thing about college so far has been taking part in inspiring projects like the Melodic Caring Project where we can use the skills we are learning to really make a difference to people at the same time as getting brilliant work experience. What an honour to be recognised for taking part in things like that.”

Samantha Hall, age 36 from Clowne was named as the Adult Student of the Year. After some tragic personal circumstances she decided to return to college to retrain as a beauty therapist to help provide a secure future for her three young children. She goes above and beyond in her studies and is on track to receive high grades. She said:

“It feels really good to be awarded for something I have done. I am a bit shocked though because I don’t usually win anything! This is my first year at college and I have learnt so much about myself and beauty therapy. Studying at college has really boosted my confidence and helped me through some of the very hard times I have been through. I’ve got 3 young children at home and I think it’s helped them to see me coming back to college. They tell me they are proud of me and I can’t wait to show them this when I get home.”

The award for the Apprentice of the Year went to Roy Cusworth, age 59 from Doncaster who started a health and social care apprenticeship to help him retrain after being made redundant from a 28-year career of working as a butcher. After putting lots of hard work into gaining his qualification and going the extra mile to pass his English and maths he was promoted to team leader and is now studying for the next level qualification. He said:

“It’s a proud moment and it’s great to have my family here to see me get the award. I’ve had so much support from them, from my tutor and from my employer, Heathcotes. I love my job and it’s given my apprenticeship has given me a new career that really suits me. There were times when I didn’t think I could do it but this goes to show what you can achieve with the right support.”

Old Cestrefeldian’s Trust sponsored an award for a student who has demonstrated tenacity and resilience in pursuit of their studies. Media student, Harry Bracken, age 18 from Dronfield was the lucky recipient of this award and a £200 cheque from the trust.

Other winners at the awards ceremony were:

Inspirational Student – Tina Bull

Employer of the Year – Worcester Bosch

Higher Education Student of the Year – Zachary Spence

Foundation Studies Student of the Year – Daniel Seldon

Most Improved – Victoria Watson

Student Project of the Year – Melodic Caring Project

English and Maths (most improved) – Benjamin Scully