Blackburn College students celebrate after award recognition

Seven current and former apprentices from across Blackburn College’s level three, four and five apprenticeship programmes have been acknowledged in their professional fields.

Nathan Milligan, who is undertaking his level three apprenticeship diploma in Plumbing and Heating Technician Standard while working at Together Housing, was awarded Construction Apprentice of the Year at the recent Lancashire Apprentice Awards 2023.

Mitchell Healy, an employee of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, who is studying for the level three Electrotechnical Standard Apprenticeship won the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers’ Prize at the City and Guilds Livery Prize Awards 2023.

And Places for People’s Matthew Winston, a level three Carpentry and Joinery Standard apprentice has won the company’s Employer Star Award, after scooping the Lancashire Construction Apprenticeship Award in 2022.

In addition, a number of former healthcare students were nominated for the NHS Health and Social Care Awards, which took place on 19 May 2023.

Gemma Mukadam, who received a Distinction in her level five Leader in Adult Care Apprenticeship and is now a Deputy Service Manager at Horizon SMS – Specialist Addiction Services, scooped the Team Player award.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Jodie Beck, who undertook the level four Lead Practitioner in Adult Care, was highly commended in the Rising Star Award category.

Georgina Chatburn Jones, who received a Distinction in her level four Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Apprenticeship, was nominated for the Promotion Award.

And current apprentice Samantha Wright, who is studying level three Senior Healthcare Worker Theatre Pathway – progressing onto Operation Department Practitioner was on the shortlist for the Perseverance Award.

Principal of Blackburn College, Dr Fazal Dad said: “This fantastic news demonstrates the staff’s dedication and support to ensure our Apprentices’ achieve at the highest levels and we are so proud of all our latest award winners and nominees.

“A Blackburn College apprenticeship has been the first step for thousands of students to exciting and successful careers across a range of industries.

“I’d like to say a huge congratulations to Nathan, Mitchell, Matthew, Georgina, Gemma, Jodie and Samantha for their achievements, and wish them continued success in their futures.”