Wiltshire College celebrates apprentices and students

The recognition came at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s annual Apprenticeship and Work Placement Awards, held at the Civic Centre in Trowbridge.

The awards celebrated the dedication of students on work placements, the achievements of apprentices and the vital support of employers.

Winners take to the stage at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s annual Apprenticeship and Work Placement Awards at Trowbridge Civic Centre. (Image: Wiltshire College & University Centre)

Principal and chief executive Iain Hatt said: "Your hard work, commitment and achievements are truly inspiring.

"You fully deserve this recognition, and I have no doubt you will go on to even greater success."

Among the winners was 42-year-old Bogdan Soporan, named Hospitality Apprentice of the Year for his progress in the kitchen at Allenbrook Nursing and Residential Care in Fordingbridge.

Bogdan Soporan of Salisbury, who was named Hospitality Apprentice of the Year with Wiltshire College & University Centre principal and CEO Iain Hatt and guest speaker Carl Hogg, managing director of Good Energy Services in Chippenham. (Image: Wiltshire College & University Centre)

Based at the college’s Salisbury campus, Bogdan began his apprenticeship after a manager spotted his potential while he was helping prepare food.

He said: "This award is amazing and frankly I'm absolutely gobsmacked.

"I can’t believe it has happened and it's like a recognition of my work.

"I think it's going to be very good for the future."

HIs nominator described him as an asset to any professional kitchen, highlighting his positive attitude and commitment to learning.

Ollie Savage, 22, from Salisbury, took home the Carpentry Apprentice of the Year title for his work with SJ Butt & Sons.

Ollie Savage of Salisbury was named Carpentry Apprentice of the Year at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s annual Apprenticeship and Work Placement Awards. (Image: Wiltshire College & University Centre)

Ollie said: "The apprenticeship has been quite a good thing for me because I was never very academic at school.

"I've come out of education and achieved this and I’m very proud of myself."

He praised his employer for providing a supportive environment, describing the company as a great place to learn and grow.

Alfie West, 18, from Fordingbridge, was named Grounds Work Apprentice of the Year.

Alfie, who is now self-employed, said: "I'm really glad that I've won this award because I put a lot of effort into it."

Employer awards were also presented on the night.

Defence Science Technology Laboratory, (DSTL), of Porton Down won large Work Placement Employer of the Year at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s annual Apprenticeship and Work Placement Awards. (Image: Wiltshire College & University Centre)

Wiltshire Council was named Work Placement Employer of the Year, while Avonside Engineering in Melksham took home the Small Apprenticeship Employer title.

Castle Carpentry and Building Contractors in Shaftesbury won in the Medium Category, and the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (DSTL), of Porton Down, was named Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year.

The ceremony coincided with the first day of National Apprenticeship Week.