Some of the UK’s top apprentices celebrated during annual college awards night

: 09 February 2024

8 group shot of most of the winners with dr Nikos Savvas left and Phil Stittle master of ceremonies right

Some of the UK’s top apprentices attended an awards ceremony at West Suffolk College during National Apprenticeship Week 2024.

They were joined by businesses, staff and guests for an occasion that took place at the award-winning Edmunds restaurant in Bury St Edmunds.

The occasion celebrated achievements of individuals during a campaign called National Apprenticeship Week.

12 awards were handed out in total and an overall ‘apprentice of the year award’ was chosen out of all nominees.

This top prize went to Amy Underwood (pictured below) - who also received the business apprentice of the year accolade. The 18-year-old Bury St Edmunds resident works for Portable Space Ltd.

Amy Underwood

On winning the award, Amy said: “I was shocked and taken back. This is a signal for me and anyone that wants to do an apprenticeship that you should do it. I would have thought that I would have completed my A levels and my first term at university at this point – but I’m here (winner of this award), I’m happy and very proud of where I’ve come.

Her mum Louise Underwood said: “Amy has done so well and come so far in such a short space of time. This is definitely one of our proudest moments together so far.”

Dr Nikos Savvas, the Principal of West Suffolk College and CEO of the Eastern Education Group, said: “National Apprenticeship Week showcases the very best that Apprenticeships have to offer up and down the country. Tonight, we have celebrated the excellent performance of Apprentices in a multitude of different sectors. We have recognised those who have stood out and shone from the apprentices who are currently in learning at West Suffolk College Sixth Form, and we have acknowledged the hard work, determination, and resilience that they have all demonstrated during their apprenticeships.

winner with nikos phil laraine

Nikos Savvas (CEO of Eastern Education Group) alongside Amy Underwood, Phil Stittle (Executive Director - Business Development) and Laraine Moody (Group Principal - Strategic Growth and Partnerships)

“This region is really bucking the trend for Apprenticeships, with increased numbers and appetite from local employers to support not only the next generation coming through, but also to develop their own workforce along the way. We have over 2000 apprentices in learning and are supporting over 950 employers. We now deliver apprenticeship training from Cornwall to Northumberland and from Merseyside down to Hampshire.

“We push the boundaries of delivery and want to not only succeed locally for our community but be a UK lead for education. We continue to trailblaze the work of apprenticeships and this is down to the support from the innovative, forward thinking, and incredibly talented businesses we have here tonight.”

The Executive Director of Business Development at West Suffolk College, Phil Stittle, said: “This was the third year in a row that we have hosted this evening and it’s always a magical night. I’d like to congratulate all of our amazing winners for their fantastic efforts and say thank you to all of the businesses we work with for putting their trust in us to support them.”

Felix Jones

A former student - Felix Jones (pictued above) - 20, from Lackford was the guest presenter. Felix – who works for F.A Valiant and Son Ltd – recently picked up a national award from the Institute of Carpenters. He said: “It was a great honour to be invited along to be the guest speaker. Apprenticeships are brilliant. They teach you real life work experience on the job and I don’t think you can beat that. My reflections of the college are that they had great lecturers and tutors, a great set of facilities and it was a really positive experience.”