THE College at Braintree held their 11th annual Further Education and Apprenticeship Awards for 2016.

The awards celebrate student’s efforts and achievements in both types of courses throughout the academic year.

The winners were invited to the College for a formal awards afternoon on June 21, to be presented with their certificates before enjoying a light afternoon tea.

Parents, relatives, friends, course tutors and college executives were all in attendance along with guest speaker Tom Cunningham, Braintree District Councillor responsible for Economic Development.

Mr Cunningham said: “Everything that goes on here at the college is important to the area.

“It is wonderful to be able to work with such a forward thinking, vibrant education institution.”

Alison Andreas, Principal of the College, said: “Today is about recognising the fantastic achievement of many of our students.

“They have received motivation, commitment and outstanding achievement awards.

“The award winners represent just two percent of the students across our campuses.”

The College is part of the Colchester Institute, which is the largest vocational college in Essex with branches in Colchester, Braintree, Clacton and Dovercourt.

It runs full, part-time, apprenticeship and degree courses for people of all ages – from school leavers to mature students.

Sarah Perkins, 27, who is studying motorcycle repair and received an award for outstanding achievement said: “I am actually a senior student, and a lot of people on the course are younger than me.

“People have been looking up to me and I think it has been good for them.

“I am proud of the guys in my group and we all still talk to each other.

“I have been working for Silverex Engineering for a month now.

“I work two days a week and I have got a position on a race team as well.”

Dean Anderson, 18, who is studying bricklaying, and received a commitment to English award, joined college straight from school.

Dean said: “I am already working as a hod carrier - the college definitely helped me get the job.

“I did not know what I wanted to do in the future and decided to choose bricklaying and enjoyed it so I stayed with it.”

Charlotte Miller, 28, is studying for the Access to Higher Education Diploma after retaking her GCSEs at the College, she received an outstanding achievement award.

She said: “I have been specialising in biology.

“I am now going on to study at ARU Cambridge.

“The course has opened a lot of doors for me."

Matt Lowe, 18, is studying IT and won a personal progress award.

He said: “The college is quite local and small, so you know everyone - the teachers and other people here are very nice.

“It is a good atmosphere to be in."