Reaseheath College and University Centre celebrated National Apprenticeship Week 2026 with a series of events recognising learner achievement, employer partnership and the role apprenticeships play in developing Skills for Life.
The week included a highly successful Reaseheath Apprenticeship Fair, held on campus on Monday, February 9th, which welcomed 12 employers and attracted 450 prospective apprentices, parents and carers. Visitors had the opportunity to explore apprenticeship routes, speak directly with employers and college teams, and learn more about progression opportunities across a wide range of sectors. Feedback from both employers and attendees highlighted strong interest in apprenticeships as a practical and positive route into skilled careers.
Apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in addressing skills shortages across key sectors. Industries such as land-based, construction and engineering are facing growing demand for skilled, work-ready people, and apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as part of the solution.
At Reaseheath, apprenticeships are helping to plug the skills gap by combining high-quality training with real-world experience, ensuring learners develop both technical expertise and transferable Skills for Life that employers need and value. Through close partnership with industry, the college continues to support workforce development and create clear progression routes into skilled employment.
On Wednesday, February 11th, Reaseheath hosted its annual Apprenticeship Awards, celebrating the achievements of apprentices, employers and mentors from across a wide range of industries. The awards recognised excellence, resilience and commitment, highlighting the impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and communities.
This year’s award winners included:
- Benjamin Crerand, apprentice with Müller Milk & Ingredients – Food & Drink Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Kersia)
- Jade-Marie Wilson, apprentice with Vets4Pets – Land and Environment Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by WHC Plant and Tool Hire)
- Alfie Holstead, apprentice with Grimme – Land-based Service Engineering Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Flannery PlantO)
- Leon Woodley, apprentice with The Guinness Partnership – Construction Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by NOCN Group)
- Ethan Allmark, apprentice with First Bus – Business & Professional Services Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa)
- Kian Nelson, apprentice with First Bus – Transport Engineering Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by DB Cargo)
- Thomas Pitts, apprentice with Keele University – Functional Skills Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by UK Forks)
- Bidlea Dairy – SME Employer of the Year (sponsored by D Morgan)
- Arla Foods – Large Employer of the Year (sponsored by Story Plant)
- Robbie Goodridge, Reaseheath College – Mentor of the Year (sponsored by Ginger Butchers).
In addition to receiving Transport Engineering Apprentice of the Year, Kian Nelson was also awarded the Principal’s Award, recognising his exceptional resilience, professionalism and impact as an apprenticeship ambassador. Kian has inspired young people through school engagement and national platforms, demonstrating how apprenticeships can transform lives and open doors to long-term success.
Throughout the week, Reaseheath shared apprentice and employer stories aligned to the national theme Skills for Life, highlighting the transferable skills apprentices develop alongside technical training, including confidence, communication, problem-solving and resilience.
Sharon Yates, Assistant Principal – Skills and Partnerships, said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate everything our apprentices achieve, not just the technical skills they develop, but the confidence, resilience and ambition they build along the way. Skills for Life that our apprentices acquire during their programme, support progression across industries and open doors to long-term careers.”
“We are incredibly proud of our award winners, and of the employers and mentors who support them. Apprenticeships provide a positive, practical route into skilled employment, and National Apprenticeship Week gives us the opportunity to recognise that impact and inspire others to follow the same path.”
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 provided an opportunity to celebrate success, strengthen employer partnerships and encourage more people to consider apprenticeships as a route into rewarding careers.
For more information about apprenticeships at Reaseheath, visit the college website or follow Reaseheath on social media.
