Phenomenal evening of celebrations at first ever Student Awards

On Wednesday 17 June, we invited staff and students to join us at our first ever Student Awards celebration. Guests were invited to join hosts and sponsors at EKC Canterbury College for the momentous occasion. 

Attendees were welcomed into the College with a glass of fizz and a delicious graze board. Talented EKC Canterbury College Music students, Violet and Rosie, provided the perfect soundtrack to kick start the evening. 

The Main Hall was transformed into a stunning events space. Students and their families shared stories and laughter around beautifully presented tables. A magician was on hand to offer light entertainment before the main event, and the selfie wall and beautiful ballon arches made for the perfect photo backdrop for attendees to capture the moment.  
 
The event brought together the entire EKC Training community, offering an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the triumphs of students from all our Training Centre.  

Staff nominations recognised students for outstanding achievement and academic excellence, giving them the accolade of ‘Apprentice of the Year’ or ‘Student of the Year’. There was also a category for ‘Highly Commended Student’ this award was presented to those who have shown great commitment and dedication to their learning. All award winners were invited to the stage and presented with a certificate, trophy and gift voucher. 

Tutors were bursting with pride seeing their nominees take to the stage to receive their well-deserved prize. Jack Castle, Plumbing Lecturer at EKC Plumbing and Electrical Training Centre, reflected on the accomplishment of their students commenting: “I am so proud of Lucas. He really deserves this award. He has been really consistent throughout the course, all his work is completed to a very high standard. He is a pleasure to teach and should be extremely proud of his achievements.” 

Having won the Plumber of the Year Award, Lucas Masters, was thrilled to have been nominated by his tutor. He said: “It came as a big surprise; I couldn’t believe it when my tutors told me. I’m really happy to win the award. I’ve been told there are 500 plumbers within the Training Centres, so being selected is a great feeling.”  

Lucas’ next steps are to complete his Level 3 Plumbing course next year before qualifying as a Gas Engineer. He credited EKC Plumbing and Electrical Training Centre for all the support they had given him, and mentioned how grateful he is to the class tutors for always believing in him. 

A particular highlight of the evening was when Faizah Cottle won the award for Supported Intern of the Year. Supported by her mum and specialist tutor Sarah, Faizah was praised for overcoming huge adversity throughout her life having been born with hearing issues but never letting this hold her back. In 2024, she had a cochlear implant fitted which has helped her thrive during in her internship. 

Being recognised for her hard work and commitment to the course made her feel really special. Faizah said: “I was shocked to find out that I won and I felt really proud.” 

Faizah’s mum added: “She has come a long way; she works very hard but with her hearing it has been difficult for her, before she had her cochlear implant she really couldn’t hear much at all. Life has improved a lot over the last two years. I have to thank her tutors who have been with her through it all.” 
 
Faizah impressed her employers so much during her internship and was offered a full-time job working as a cleaner. With her can-do attitude and positive energy, we know Faizah will succeed.

The evening closed with a speech from EKC Training’s Principal, Rhona Williams, who thanked guests for their attendance and commented on how proud everyone at EKC Training is of the outstanding achievements and ongoing success of our students. 

Rhona said: “A huge congratulations to all our award winners and nominees, your achievements are something to be incredibly proud of. Tonight has been a wonderful reminder of the talent, determination and potential within EKC Training.”  

We extend a huge thank you to hard work of the staff, students, and supporters who made this magical event possible. A particular thanks goes to our generous sponsors Jenner, SIAS, NOCN and Gateway Qualifications, who helped make the night extra special. 

Congratulations to all our award winners, we look forward to seeing what you achieve next, and where your future might take you.  

Photo gallery

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Here is a full list of our winners

Highly Commended students