Apprentices and employees from a variety of local businesses joined staff including assessors, coaches and trainers at the College’s Blossomfield Campus for an afternoon of celebration to recognise the hard work and dedication shown by those involved.
Categories included awards for employers, apprentices and assessors/coaches/trainers for Excellence in Apprentice Support, Above and Beyond, Outstanding Progress, Innovative Training & Assessment, plus many more. The judges had some difficult decisions to make with the quality of the nominations.
Sponsored by Solihull Chamber of Commerce and Pertemps, the inaugural event was a great success and a testament to the collaborative work between organisations, highlighting the benefits and achievements of apprentices within business.
Head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Sam Frampton commented: “I believe that when we invest in the potential of individuals through hands-on learning and real-world experience, we’re laying the foundations for long-term success – for them, for our local economy, and for the future of Solihull. These awards shine a light on the talent, determination and innovation that apprentices bring to every sector. It was a pleasure to be part of the awards and see everyone on the day.”
Employer Awards: Highly Commended for 'Excellence in Apprenticeship Support' - Kay Hodgetts from PM Project Services.
Employer Awards: Winner of 'Excellence in Apprenticeship Support' - Ian Wallace from Birmingham Hippodrome.
Employer Awards: Winner of 'Inspirational Mentor' - Jamie Hawkins from NEC Group.
Employer Awards: Winner of 'Commitment to Skills Development' - Fiona Pearce from NEC Group.
Employer Awards: Winner of 'Employer of the Year' - Tom Valentine and Ian Wallace from Birmingham Hippodrome.
Tom Valentine was delighted the Birmingham Hippodrome was recognised for their support of nurturing apprentices with awards for Excellence in Apprenticeship Support for colleague Ian Wallace, and Employer of the Year. He commented: “We are thrilled that Birmingham Hippodrome has been named ‘Employer of the Year’ at the 2025 Apprenticeship Impact Awards, presented by Solihull College & University Centre.
This recognition is a powerful testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams across the organisation, who play a vital role in nurturing apprentices across a wide range of disciplines. We are proud to be recognised for our ongoing commitment to developing future talent and look forward to celebrating this achievement with our wider community.”
The College’s Director of Business Development, Nadia Davies, commented: “We celebrated some magnificent achievements on Friday, highlighting the most memorable and impactful work of our Employers, Apprentices, and Assessors/Coaches/Trainers. It filled me with immense pride to celebrate the undeniable impact that apprentices bring to the world of work – their hard work, resilience, innovative action and examples of going above and beyond.
Apprenticeships aren’t just solving skills gaps; they’re helping organisations thrive, and it’s a privilege to recognise all of the wonderful people who make that happen.”
Apprentice Awards: Winner of 'Above and Beyond' - Laura Crosby.
Apprentice Awards: Winner of 'Innovation in Action' - Bricklayer Apprentices group for the 'Duck Pond & House' Project.
Apprentice Awards: Winner of 'Outstanding Progress' - Dylan Faultless-Hodgson.
Apprentice Awards: Winner of 'Resilience' - Sarah Green.
Apprentice Awards: Winner of 'Workplace Champion' - Kira McClure.
Apprentice Awards: Highly Commended for 'Outstanding Progress' - Thomas McGrory.
College Principal, Dr Rebecca Gater, added: “With 85 nominations across apprentices, employers, and assessors/coaches, the response has been outstanding. These awards shine a light not only on individual achievements but also on the power of collaboration and shared commitment that drives success in apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships play a vital role in shaping the skills of the nation. They are central to our ambition as a college – equipping people of all ages with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to thrive in the world of work. They are also fundamental to the economic prosperity of our region, strengthening our local communities and enabling businesses to grow through talent that is skilled, supported and ready to make an impact.”
Congratulations to all the winners and those shortlisted.
To enquire about taking on an apprentice, our Employer Services team have years of work-based learning experience who will be happy to assist you. Start the conversation today, call 0121 678 7181 or email employerservices@solihull.ac.uk
