Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards finalists
6th February 2025 – Tags: Apprenticeships
Four City College Norwich apprentices and five of our employer partners have been named as finalists in the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025.
Congratulations to our employer partners and apprentices who have made the judges’ shortlist of finalists:
Employer finalists
- Dove Inn - Small Business
- Norwich School of Hair and Beauty - Small Business
- Daly Group - Medium Business
- Flagship - Large Business
- Norse – Large Business
Apprentice finalists
Apprentice of the year – Intermediate (Level 2)
Nikki Corke, who works as a chef for Langley School, successfully completed the Commis Chef Apprenticeship Level 2 Standard.
As an existing member of the school catering team, the apprenticeship has given Nikki the opportunity to ‘take ownership’ in the kitchen and develop as a chef.
As a mature learner, she has had to juggle her full-time job with family commitments and the requirements of the apprenticeship, including Functional Skills.
With a good plan in place, Nikki completed all her work on time and to a high standard, showing real commitment in the classroom. She was a key member of the group, taking some of the younger apprentices under her wing.
During her apprenticeship, Nikki developed some new recipes in the school which were nutritious, within budget, and well-received.
She has also gone above her role by being aware of each child's dietary requirements and adjusting the menu accordingly, ensuring each child feels included.
Nikki’s apprenticeship assessor has praised ‘her dedication and consistent approach to the course’, whilst balancing the pressures of home life, learning, and work.
Going back into a learning environment as a mature learner is never easy, but such was Nikki’s commitment to the role she went through the End Point Assessment early – an ‘incredible’ achievement.
Contribution to Green Apprenticeships in Norfolk
Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards finalist Emily Leonard.
Emily Leonard, who works for the Broads Authority as Waterways Project Officer, is working towards the Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Level 3 Standard.
In her wide-ranging role she has contributed to the ongoing maintenance and protection of the unique and valuable Broads National Park.
Emily has conducted land-based work to enhance footpaths, including creating more accessible and inclusive routes at Hoveton and Horsey, to widen public access of the Broads to more people.
She is responsible for a programme of dredging work in rivers and broads, and she ensures that this is carried out in the most environmentally sensitive way.
Her assessor says: “Everything Emily does demonstrates a keen awareness of the environment she works in. She understands the environmental regulations and permits that are required for sensitive habitats, organises contamination testing, is aware of flood risk and works to protect critical flood-alleviation infrastructure.”
Emily is proud to help promote the Broads and the work of the Broads Authority, bringing “an enthusiasm and can-do approach to her work that is rare and wonderful.”
Her employer has also given "glowing reviews" of Emily’s work as she runs with every opportunity the role has given her, with a highly professional attitude.
Achievement in exceptional circumstances
Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards finalist Miklos Argyelan.
Miklos Argyelan, who works at plastic packaging manufacturer Berry, is working towards the Mechatronics Maintenance Apprenticeship Standard Level 3.
He has excelled in his learning, progressing from the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship, which has entailed having to spend an extra year at college.
Miklos has also impressed in the workplace. His skills, confidence, hard work and positive attitude have been rewarded with his accelerated progress into a new role within the machine shop.
Although English is not his first language, Miklos’s work ethic, and the pride he takes in what he produces, underpin written work that is of the highest standard.
He has achieved all this whilst supporting his wife through ill-health and looking after their young family.
Despite these challenges, Miklos brings a ‘cheerful and focused approach’ to his work and learning.
College staff describe him as an ‘excellent example to other apprentices’ and ‘a pleasure to be around, hardworking, focused, respectful and determined to get the most out of any situation’.
Achievement in exceptional circumstances
Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards finalist Charlotte Mayhew.
Charlotte Mayhew successfully completed the Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard Level 3 and is now registered with the General Dental Council and working as a qualified dental nurse.
She worked hard to learn new clinical skills in practice, and to deliver a high quality of care to her patients at Diss Dental Health Centre, building a rapport with them and supporting them during their visits to the dental practice.
She also developed exceptional communication skills that she uses to ensure her patients are supported, and feel at ease during their visits, which can cause a lot of anxiety for some patients.
During the apprenticeship she demonstrated ‘an incredible amount of resilience and determination’. During the most challenging of times, she ‘remained professional and still provided the best patient experience.’
Her apprenticeship assessor describes Charlotte as ‘one of the most positive, upbeat and friendly people I have ever met.’
Charlotte has started employment at an orthodontic practice in Norwich and is now developing her career by learning orthodontic nursing and dental radiography as part of her new job role.