Learners, staff, governors and representatives from business and industry joined together to celebrate at Eastleigh College’s annual awards ceremony at Eastleigh Football Club.

The annual event, which was organised by our Event Management students, recognised the talents of staff, students and employers for their exceptional work during the last academic year.

Nine awards were presented across the varied education and training offering that the College provides, including full-time courses, part-time professional courses, leisure courses, work-based learning and apprenticeships.

Dr Jan Edrich, Chief Executive and Principal, said: “The evening provided a superb opportunity to celebrate outstanding successes across the College.

“During the year we have had two positive Ofsted visits including our Winchester Campus being awarded Outstanding for the fifth consecutive time since we opened it fifteen years ago. In addition, we gained Beacon status from the Association of Colleges for Support for Students and ‘Engagement with Employers’ – both reflecting our innovative and ambitious approach to meeting our customers’ needs.

Learner outcomes speak for themselves and we enjoyed particularly successful results last year.”

Eastleigh College has over 21,000 learners including full-time students, apprentices and professionals studying part-time courses. In addition, the College works with 2,700 employers providing education, bespoke courses and training solutions.

Jan added: “Whittling so many fantastic achievers down to the nine awards was challenging, and the judging panel felt the worthy winners demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated; they should be proud of their achievements.”

Stephen Millyard, who studied at Eastleigh College for one day a week while working as a Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineer, won ‘Part-time Learner of the Year’. The 27-year-old from Berkshire took the two-year part-time course to progress his career with Newbury-based Air Concept Refrigeration. Now a qualified engineer, he said: “I was surprised and excited to find out I’d been nominated for the award, and was shocked to win out of such a strong group of nominees.

“I chose to study with Eastleigh College as it gave me the flexibility to learn at my own pace, which is needed when you’re also working. The lecturers provided great support, and I was also able to do an additional Hydro Carbon module which allows me to work on equipment I wouldn’t otherwise be able to.”

The winners:

The Apprentice of the Year:

Winner: Catherine Ward, Business Administration Apprentice, Taylor Wimpey

Runner-up: Stacey Tiley, AAT Accountancy Apprentice, Hampshire County Council

Governors’ Award for Exceptional Progression:

Winner: Michael Worth, Hospitality & Catering

Runner-up: Dominic Dray, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Employer/Partner of the Year:

Winner: The Chesil Rectory Restaurant

Runner-up: Botley Park Hotel & Spa

Part-time Learner of the Year:

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Winner:            Stephen Millyard, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Runners-up:    Kayleigh Fanner, Professional Foundation Learning Support Degree

                        Helen Anderson, Construction & Built Environment

Full-time Learner of the Year:

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Winner: Jack Ashton, Supported Apprentice, The Grow Project

Runner-up: Leigh Townsend, Dance

Excellence in Teaching & Assessing:

Winner: Kevin Cole, Accountancy lecturer

Runner-up: Caroline Perrett, Event Management lecturer

Excellence in Support Services:

Winner: Trudy McKenzie, Careers Adviser

Runner-up: Claire Seaborne, Apprenticeship Officer

Staff Award for Innovation:

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Winner: Greg Cheeseman, Hospitality & Catering lecturer

Award for Outstanding Achievement:

Winner: Roger Parker, Assistant Estates Manager