Five companies were rewarded for their commitment to staff development at the prestigious Eastleigh College Training Ambassador Awards, after being nominated by their own employees. The awards were presented by MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, and Sarah Jennings, Learning and Development Manager at Eastleigh Borough Council, after a mouth-watering 3-course lunch at the College's Red Carpet Restaurant.

The five successful organisations were Applewood Joinery, Equitable Life Assurance Society, Kooltech, Hampshire County Council and Wheelers Travel. The winners were selected by the College's senior management team and selection criteria included employers who go beyond the call of duty to promote and invest in learning and development, and employers who continuously invest in training.

In her nomination for Kooltech, apprentice Pauline McAfee said:

"Kooltech is currently training two apprentices, and encourages and supports all employees with training whenever opportunities arise."

John Hammond, National Technical Manager of Kooltech and recipient of the Apprentice Mentor of the Year Award, said:

"It's great to receive recognition for taking on an apprentice and making sure they get the correct training and qualifications. The Apprenticeship scheme is great for Kooltech, when Pauline is qualified we'll be able to send her out to customers safe in the knowledge that what she is doing is being done professionally."

Another award winner was Applewood Joinery, a family-run joinery company based just outside Romsey, nominated by apprentice Matt Slade. They received the Apprentice Employer of the Year Award. In his nomination Matt said:

"Applewood really value their apprentices, and there is an excellent spirit of teamwork. Since I joined the company, I've been given ample opportunity to improve my skills, plus they encourage you to branch out with your training, do more than the level that the job requires. I've also been supported by the College; my tutor Barrie has been brilliant and very helpful. I'd definitely recommend Apprenticeships."

Mark Scholes, Customer Service Training Manager for Equitable Life commented:

"It was a pleasant surprise to be nominated, particularly as the nominations were from the staff themselves. Winning this award is the icing on the cake. Equipping our staff with the right skills and knowledge ensures we can better meet the needs of our policyholders and is core to our strategy of recreating policyholder value."

Mrs Nokes commented:

"It's a fantastic celebration of all that's great about learning with Eastleigh College and the apprentices who've nominated some fantastic companies. The award winners deserve recognition for the commitment and investment they've put into learning at their company."