A Telford College apprentice has been crowned the county’s ‘rising star’ at a glittering awards ceremony.

Amy Williams, who works at Dawley Medical Practice, was one of the big winners at the 2026 Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards.

The sell-out event, held at the Mercure Telford Centre Hotel, celebrated the brightest and best workers who are ‘earning while they are learning’ – as well as recognising employers driving ambition and education through their support of apprenticeships.

Amy was the first winner of the Rising Star award – a new prize introduced this year to recognise apprentices who have made a big impression with their employer in a short space of time.

The audience was told that she had shown a ‘remarkable transformation, resilience, and contribution’ throughout her apprenticeship at the King Street medical practice.

Before starting her apprenticeship, she was a full-time college learner who was struggling to find her place in education or employment. All of that changed when she switched to an apprenticeship.

What makes her journey deserving of recognition, according to staff, is her determination to improve and overcome challenges – gaining confidence and professionalism in the workplace.

Her project on improving processes to reduce time and increase efficiency was highlighted at the event for delivering clear benefits to patients.

Amy was one of five Telford College students to be recognised at this year’s awards. Jack Henderson from Colas was shortlisted for the construction prize, and Ellie Hendley – who works in the college’s marketing team – was an IT and digital industries finalist.

Ruby Leung from Hoshizaki Europe was up for the manufacturing award, and Melanie Massopust of Newdale Primary School featured alongside Amy as a Rising Star finalist.

Employer award winners on the night included Hoshizaki Europe, a member of the Telford College engineering skills hub which picked up the large apprentice employer of the year award.

Beyond apprenticeship delivery, Hoshizaki actively supports the college through a range of initiatives, including attending job fairs to engage and inspire future talent. 

And iconsys, which partners with the college to support apprenticeships, T Levels and staff development, was named medium sized apprentice employer of the year.

Three quarters of the iconsys leadership team, including its founder and chairman, have come from an apprenticeship background.

Telford College was the proud headline sponsor of the competition, presenting trophies to the overall Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin apprentices of the year. Guests also watched a video featuring interviews with a broad range of the college’s current apprentices.

David Moreton, Telford College’s head of apprenticeships, took part in an on-stage Q&A alongside executive director of employer engagement and partnerships Sarah Davies, where they discussed the college’s collaborative work with employers.

David said: “We are incredibly proud to have had so many of our apprentices and employer partners recognised in this year’s awards.

“Their achievements reflect the dedication, commitment and talent they demonstrate every day in their workplaces and studies.

“It is a testament to the strong partnerships we have with employers across the region who play such an important role in supporting apprentices to develop their skills and reach their full potential.”