A Malton-based training and apprenticeship provider has celebrated its highest achievers and most outstanding students.

Hosted at Sandburn Hall, near Flaxton, Derwent Training welcomed its apprentices, staff, employer partners and suppliers to the awards event.

Christopher Ledger, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, presented the awards which highlighted the hard work of Derwent Training's students and their impressive achievements.

As well as recognising these students, Derwent Training also collaborated with The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York on the awarding of their inaugural Apprenticeship Award which was given to Alex Farley from Castle Group Ltd.

Claire Gavaghan, CEO at Derwent Training and part of the judging panel for this particular award said: “Alex has implemented lean manufacturing processes in the workplace, changing lots of areas of the business in order to improve workflow and efficiency in each department. But specifically, Alex worked on a quality assurance check system for manufactured products because the volume of warranty claims was too high.

“Liaising with colleagues, Alex wrote a new quality check procedure which he presented to his senior managers. This was adopted and implemented. That system has resulted in product warranty returns dropping to below 2%. Real impact for the business and their clients. A worthy recipient of this award.”

Derwent Training provides training to apprentices, employers and individuals to build skills and improve employability across Yorkshire and the North East from its training centre in Malton, where it can offer face-to-face delivery such as level three and level four apprenticeships, as well as online delivery to upskill employees through bespoke training and CPD courses.

2020-21 cohort

Highly commended recipient: From AC Price Engineering, Jacob Letten.

Apprentice of the Year: From Rose Engineering, Josh Noble

2021-22 cohort

Highly commended recipient: From William Hare Ltd, Jake Crowley

Second highly commended recipient: From Severfield, Jadmond Mercado

Apprentice of the Year: From Sylatech, Elliot Kay

2022-23 cohort

Highly commended recipient: From William Hare Ltd, Connor Mccarthy

Second highly commended recipient: From Portakabin, Mark Gillespie

Apprentice of the Year: From William Hare Ltd, Ethan Stephenson

2023-24 cohort

Highly commended recipient: From Cranswick Gourmet Pastry Ltd, Lucinda Rose.

Second highly commended recipient: From William Hare Ltd, Ross Woodhead

Apprentice of the Year: From IQ Engineers, Reuben Butler

The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York Apprenticeship Award

From Castle Group Ltd, Alex Farley

Lord Derwent Award for Effort & Achievement: From McCain Foods, Sam Hopkins

Howard Cooper Award: Elliot Kay.