12th May 2025
South Devon College celebrated all things apprenticeships when it hosted its prestigious annual Apprenticeship Awards at The Grand Hotel in Torquay. Apprentices, businesses, staff, family, friends and key college stakeholders came together to salute the success of apprentices across the College and University Centre South Devon.
In 2023/24 there were 1,500 apprentices and over 1,000 employers actively engaged with the College’s apprenticeship provision across Torbay, South Hams and Teignbridge – highlighting the many opportunities, including earning while learning, that apprenticeships can offer.
Local employers contributed generously to the awards event through partnership, with thanks going to Bay Care Group Ltd, Full Board Gaming, Interfish Producer Organisation, Ocean Torbay, Pennon Group, Build Torbay, G&H, St Austell Brewery, Teignbridge Propellers Int. Ltd, Technical Composite Systems Ltd, Teledyne Valeport, Tomlinson Solutions Ltd, Torbay Business Forum, Torbay Council, Whistl Fulfillment (South West), Wilmott Dixon, and Wollens.
From the NHS: apprentice Ben Clark; Lucy Parkin, Head of Curriculum Health and Social Care and Nursing at South Devon College; Cath Parnell, Chief of Staff; Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO of South Devon College; Sandi Clemo, Head of Workforce Development (Support & Enabling Services); apprentice Oliver Wood; and Maria Woodger, Assistant Principal of South Devon College
Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO of South Devon College, welcomed guests by saying: “We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding success of our apprenticeship programme with employers, apprentices, parents, relatives, staff and stakeholders from across the South Devon region.
“More employers are rightly choosing to engage with the apprenticeship programme as a way to develop the skills of existing staff and to bring in and support new recruits. So, a very big thank you to all our employers for your ongoing commitment to providing these opportunities for local talent.
“Apprenticeships are unique, a true partnership between the employer, the apprentice and the College, with all three contributing to a successful programme. Ceremonies such as this ensure both apprentices and their employers are widely recognised and celebrated and we pay tribute to all involved for their fantastic work and all-round contribution.”
In total, over 200 nominations were submitted, spanning 20 categories, including automotive, plumbing and electrical, digital media, sport and marine.
The awards evening was compered by Ben Pountney, Head of Business Solutions at South Devon College, and Scarlett Esprit, Business Support Apprentice at the College. Scarlett herself has an inspirational apprenticeship story, undertaking a Level 3 Business apprentice whilst championing apprenticeships both within the College and at events countywide.
All the Apprenticeship Awards winners
The keynote speaker for the evening was Benjamin Field from Holomedia and Deep Fusion Films. An award-winning producer, director and VFX artist specialising in unscripted television and film, he is the founder of Deep Fusion Films, a production company responsible for over 150 episodes of broadcast TV, as well as numerous films and short films.
He gave an inspirational talk on how important it is to say ‘yes’ to opportunities and to make the most of offers sent your way. He said: “I made a show about Gerry Anderson, Thunderbirds pioneer, and I unwittingly became the first producer to use deep fake in a documentary. At that point my entire world changed. I had tried yet another new thing and taken a risk – and this one paid off.
“I was invited onto BBC and I was then invited to write all the policies on how AI could be integrated ethically into TV and film. This led to investment into Deep Fusion Films which is now valued at seven figures 18 months later.
“The key point is that nobody will believe in you more than you believe in yourself and, with the right attitude, it is possible to make anything happen from the worst circumstances. Take an opportunity and make something happen.”
From left: keynote speaker Benjamin Field; joint host and apprentice Scarlett Esprit; Ben Pountney, Head of Business Solutions at South Devon College; Lucy Lewis, Project Coordinator at Build Torbay; apprentice Ricky Lintott; Jeremy Law, from headline sponsor Teledyne Valeport; Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO of South Devon College; and apprentice Ben Clark
The evening also featured speeches from advocates of apprenticeships, both apprentices and employers.
Lucy Lewis, Project Coordinator at Build Torbay, explained how valuable apprenticeships are in building careers.
“Congratulations to all the apprentices here tonight. It’s so inspiring to see the next wave of talent and bright young stars learning new skills and building their careers.
“My advice is to find what you’re passionate about and what makes you happy. Try new things, take new opportunities and define your goals. Find your personal brand, use it and develop it throughout your career.
“Talk about apprenticeships with your friends, family and businesses. They are vital in building the next generation of the workforce.”
Ben Clark, Apprentice at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, gave insight into his apprenticeship journey. He said: “I was made redundant during the Covid pandemic and it gave me time to pause, reflect and explore new opportunities. I explored the wide variety of apprenticeships within the NHS – it gave me the chance to find a new direction.
“I stepped out of my comfort zone and learn new skills. Becoming a Chartered Manager was a milestone in my career. Apprenticeships are a powerful pathway to success and gave me confidence and professional recognition to step up into a career.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to my tutor Karolina Nowakowska and my coach Mel Glew – their guidance, dedication, support and mentorship were invaluable. I am very grateful to South Devon College for providing such a robust learning environment.”
Judges for the awards were Alison Benney, Director from Enlighten HR; Nicky Henderson, Operational Hub Lead at Devon Plymouth and Torbay Careers Hub; Richard Scutt, Director at the EPIC Centre; Ronnie Carter, Projects and Commercial Opportunities Manager at Devon Chamber of Commerce; and Ben Pountney from South Devon College.
Ben Pountney, Head of Business Solutions and Apprenticeships at South Devon College, said: “There is growing awareness that Apprenticeships in the 21st century are not exclusively for young people. Today you’ll see some fantastic examples of adult apprentices, who are improving their skills and their career prospects.
“A key Government objective is to ensure that apprenticeships have parity of esteem with higher education as more Advanced, Higher and Degree level apprenticeships become available. There has never been a better time to earn and learn.”
The overall winner of the awards was Phillip Hayden who was presented with his Apprentice of the Year award by the headline sponsors Teledyne Valeport.
Phillip Hayden receiving his Apprentice of the Year award from Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO of South Devon College
Phillip has excelled as a Level 3 Machining Technician apprentice with Hercules.
Phillip has proven himself to be an outstanding apprentice, demonstrating unwavering commitment both in the workplace and at college. His dedication is evident in his willingness to go above and beyond to meet his goals. Despite personal challenges, his daily bike commute to Dartmouth, regardless of the weather, and his regular overtime hours reflect his strong work ethic and determination.
What sets Phillip apart is his positive attitude – he never complains but instead remains grateful for the opportunity to develop his skills. His ambition to continue his studies at South Devon College after completing his Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship shows his drive for growth and excellence in engineering. It’s inspiring to see young individuals like Phillip who are motivated, hardworking, and passionate about building a successful career in the industry.
Congratulations Phillip!
Apprentice of the Year winner Phillip Hayden
Phillip said: “I love my apprenticeship. It’s so interesting to design and create a product on the machines. It’s great to learn whilst earning and you gain so much knowledge from your employer.
“I’m thrilled to be here and so pleased to win the award. My lecturers have been so helpful and supportive during my apprenticeship.
“I am planning to move up to a degree after my Level 3, moving more into the design and programming side of engineering.
“I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship – you get so much experience and, for me, this is just the start of my career!”
Full list of winners and highly commended apprentices
Automotive Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Liam Corner
- Highly commended: Ellie Prettyjohns
- Highly commended: Georgie Bagnall
Beauty and Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Bethany Knapman
- Highly commended: Emma Bradford
- Highly commended: Niesha Williams
Business and Management Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: James Lavis
- Highly commended: Daniel Summers
- Highly commended: Scarlett Esprit
- Highly commended: Sian Doyle
Catering Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Ellena Smith
- Highly commended: Jayden Raybould
- Highly commended: Thomas Keep
Computing Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Colin Huskinsson
- Highly commended: Luke Wheeler
- Highly commended: Michael Williams
Construction Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Mia Nye
- Highly commended: Connaire Kent
- Highly commended: Harry Palmer
Digital Media Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Alysha Helley
- Highly commended: Liv Morley
Engineering Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Phillip Hayden
- Highly commended: Caitlin Francis
- Highly commended: Ricky Lintott
Health Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Oliver Wood
- Highly commended: Daniel Hagan
- Highly commended: Kamrun Nahar
Hospitality Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Karl Memory
- Highly commended: Harley Nash
- Highly commended: Sophia Connell
Marine Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Ethan Jones
Plumbing and Electrical Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: James Davis
- Highly commended: Foster Bond
Sport Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Megan Talbot
- Highly commended: Daisy Duncan Carrick
- Highly commended: Trinity Richardson
Teaching and Learning Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Mia Hogan
- Highly commended: Clare Taylor
- Highly commended: Lewis Cooke
Higher Level/Degree Apprentice of the Year
- Winner: Fay Churchward
- Highly commended: Jacqueline King
- Highly commended: Sean Hobday
Best Large Employer (for employers with 50 employees or more)
- Winner: Livewell Southwest
- Highly commended: Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
- Highly commended: Devon County Council
Best Small Employer (for employers with 49 or less employees)
- Winner: Datel Electrical
- Highly commended: Reach Outdoors
- Highly commended: Reliant Metal
South Devon College Apprenticeship Staff Member of the Year
- Winner: Andy Shimmin
- Highly commended: Daniel Green
- Highly commended: Debbie Boylan
Employer/Tutor/Line Manager of the Year
- Winner: Karolina Nowakowska
- Highly commended: Becky Smith
- Highly commended: Sarah Brounger
Apprentice of the Year = Phillip Hayden
