Apprentices hailed at annual awards

SUCCESS . . . (back, from left) Rachel Jessop, Jamie Ripley, Christopher Walsh, Amy Partridge, Anthony Williams, Harry McNamara, George McNamara and Harrison Smith. Front: Adrianne Dineley, Matthew Saville, Jonathan Brown, Thomas Jackson, Christopher Brooks, George Shaw, Daniel Branson and Declan Kay

EMPLOYEES from a range of industries were praised for their skills and achievements at Oldham Training Centre's apprentice awards.

The event was held at Queen Elizabeth Hall and also marked the 50th anniversary of Oldham Training Centre (OTC), which was founded by a group of local firms in 1966 to runs apprenticeships and other training courses.

Career

OTC focuses on manufacturing-related training and apprentices were presented with their certificates by Geoff Clarke, managing director of Derker-based Tunnel Engineering Services (UK).

Mr Clarke began his career as an apprentice and today his company uses OTC for its training. He and the engineering firm received two top accolades at this year's Oldham Business Awards.

Guests at the OTC ceremony included apprentices' families and friends, who had the chance to meet OTC staff, board members and employers.

Kath Soliman, chief executive of OTC, said: "We are proud of all our achievements but particularly that for 50 years we have delivered a quality training provision, particularly with apprenticeships, for our employers."

George Shaw was named Apprentice of the Year in the Mechanical Engineering category with George McNamara commended.

Adrianne Dineley, was Apprentice of the Year in Electrical Engineering. Matthew Saville was runner-up and Jonathan Brown was commended.

Rachel Jessop was Apprentice of the Year in Fabrication and Welding with Harrison Smith being highly-commended.

Declan Kay was Apprentice of the Year in Business Administration with Christopher Walsh highly-commended.

Daniel Branson was Apprentice of the Year for Customer Service.

Stephen Pryce received the Roy McHugh Inspiring Learner Award, Jonathan Brown was highly-commended and Thomas Jackson was commended.

Amy Partridge received the Career Progression Award while Jamie Ripley and Christopher Brooks were both commended.

Harry McNamara received the Employer Excellence Award; Jamie Ripley and Anthony Williams were highly-commended; and Jack Hay was also commended.

Hassan Derris received the Staff Award.

OTC has held a series of events this year to mark its 50th anniversary. These have included open days aimed at school and college leavers, and the burying of a time capsule containing information about the organisation's history and development.