It was celebrations all round for Bolton College on Thursday evening at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel, when two nominees won the awards for their respective categories and one was Highly Commended.

Asons Solicitors, in association with Bolton College, won in the Financial & Professional Services category, while Catherine Langstreth, Lecturer at the College, was named Learning & Skills Champion for her work on English and maths within College and the local community. Former Bolton College hairdressing apprentice Sarah Ratcliffe, who was Highly Commended at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2013, was again Highly Commended for her initiative and drive as a self-starter. 

Bolton College was nominated in four categories at the inaugural Skills for Business Awards ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Dara O Briain, and was thrilled to have three out of the four nominees formally recognised and celebrated at the event.

Sarah Ainscough, Head of HR at Asons, commented: “It was a proud moment to win such an esteemed award, and it’s a true testimony to the training culture that sits at the very heart of our business. Bolton College fully understands our business needs, and has spent a lot of time getting to know our business and developing the skills of our staff.”

Catherine Langstreth, crowned Learning & Skills Champion, said: “Maths and English are of ever increasing importance, so to be recognised for the work that I have been doing across college in the embedding of the two subjects is fantastic! I strive to enthuse both staff and learners by making learning fun.”

Salon-owner Sarah Ratcliffe said: “It’s an honour to be Highly Commended at these awards and it’ll really help to raise the profile of my business. I plan to continue nurturing my relationship with Bolton College – without whom I would not have come this far – by developing the skills of my own apprentices.”  

The awards ceremony may have been a glittering, glamorous affair, but the night’s successes were a direct result of Bolton College’s dedication to a much more serious issue – that of tackling skills shortages to reduce unemployment and bolster the local economy. From training people for jobs via Apprenticeships, to upskilling those already in employment, to highlighting the importance of English and maths in securing a job, Bolton College is committed to exploring every avenue.

Marie Gilluley, Principal and CEO of Bolton College, said: “It was a very proud evening for the College. We place huge importance on working with local employers, championing English and maths in the community and training up our apprentices in preparation for the world of work. It is therefore incredibly rewarding to see these focused efforts recognised in the form of prestigious awards and commendations.”