Outstanding Petroc students recognised at annual awards ceremony

Petroc’s top Leadership and Higher Technical Skills (LHTS) students and apprentices celebrated their achievements at the college’s annual awards ceremony last night (22 March 2018).
The event, held at the Barnstaple Hotel, was attended by 46 award winners from areas including accounting, business, computing, construction, architecture, manufacture and engineering, along with proud friends, family, local employers and Petroc staff members.
The guests were welcomed to the ceremony by Assistant Principal Craig Litster.
“The cohort of 2016-17 were exceptional, consistently producing results well above the national average,” explained Craig.
“The students who are with us tonight are our top students and this is a great opportunity to recognise a strong institution, supported by a network of fantastic local employers, to get the very best out of its learners. This is worth celebrating!,” enthused Craig.
Nicola Stokeley picked up the AAT Diploma in Accounting Level 3 award and was commended for her impressive overall grade of 95%.
Speaking after the ceremony she said: “I’m so glad I did the course; it has improved my confidence dramatically.
“The biggest reward, though, has been the success I’ve had and the support I’ve received from Petroc. It was a surprise but a delight to be nominated this evening.”
Among the award winners was Alex Hatcher, who was the Outstanding Apprentice in Vehicle Accident & Repair award winner.
Alex has had an exciting year, as he had the opportunity to paint a car for the Fast and Furious Live Tour. He said: “That was by far my biggest achievement to date. It’s pretty cool to think the car I painted is now touring the world and being seen by thousands of people.
“I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship. I’ve got a job at the end of it and I’ve also learnt in a work environment whilst gaining a qualification at the same time.”