Seven Telford College apprentices have been shortlisted for the finals of the 2024 Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards.

The new competition celebrates the brightest apprentices in the area, as well as recognising employers for their support of apprenticeship programmes.

The finalists were announced today, and the winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony on October 3, in front of the Shropshire Business Live TV cameras.

All three nominees in the Early Years & Education section are Telford College apprentices – Tom Miles from Castle House School, Kiran Kaur from Trench Tots, and Zoe Gray from Southall School.

The college also has two of the three finalists in the Manufacturing & Engineering category – Mitchell Taylor from Elite Precast Concrete, and Abigail Jones of i2r Packaging, who won the Victor Ludorum trophy at this year’s college awards.

Completing the list of Telford College finalists are Francesca Farruggio from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust in the Health & Social Care category, and Luke Courtnell of McPhillips who is in the running for the Construction award.

Sue Williams, business programme manager working with the college’s early years and education team, said: “We are thrilled that our apprentices’ special commitment towards their professional development has been recognised by being shortlisted for these awards.”

Mark Allsop, managing director of Yarrington which is organising the awards in partnership with SBLTV, added: “We’re delighted with the response to the awards in its first year, and are looking forward to a fantastic awards evening.

“It’s going to be a real celebration of the brightest and best apprentices in the county, and the businesses which go the extra mile to support the next generation of skilled staff.”

• More details about the awards, including the full shortlist and ticket details, are at stwaa.co.uk. The presentation evening on October 3 will be held at the Mercure Telford Centre Hotel.