Five apprentices from Telford College have been named among the finalists for the 2026 Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards, the annual competition that highlights talent across the county and recognises employers who support apprenticeship schemes.
Local apprentices named in multiple categories
The college has representation across several categories. Two of the three nominees in the new Rising Star category are college apprentices: Amy Williams, who is training at Dawley Medical Practice, and Melanie Massopust from Newdale Primary School. Other finalists from the college include:
- Jack Henderson – finalist in Construction Apprentice of the Year (Colas)
- Ellie Hendley – shortlisted for Achievement in IT and Digital Industries (member of the college marketing team)
- Ruby Leung – finalist in Manufacturing and Engineering (Hoshizaki Europe)
Employers that partner with the college for placements are also in contention for the Employer of the Year awards across small, medium and large business categories.
Ceremony details and organisers' remarks
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 8 October at the Mercure Telford Centre Hotel, an event that will be recorded by Shropshire Business Live TV.
“We are incredibly proud to see five of our apprentices recognised as finalists in this year’s awards. Their achievements reflect the dedication, commitment and talent they demonstrate every day in their workplaces and studies. It is also a testament to the strong partnerships we have with employers across the region who play such an important role in supporting apprentices to develop their skills and reach their full potential. We wish all of our finalists the very best of luck.”
The remarks above were made by David Moreton, head of apprenticeships at Telford College. Mark Allsop, one of the event coordinators, added that organisers had received a particularly strong response this year. He said:
“We’re absolutely delighted with the response to the awards once again, which saw a record number of top-quality entries. It’s going to be another real celebration of the brightest and best apprentices in the county, and the businesses which go the extra mile to support the next generation of skilled staff.”
Why it matters locally
Apprenticeship awards in Telford and Wrekin serve several local purposes. They celebrate individual achievement, encourage employers to invest in training, and showcase career pathways for young people and adults seeking alternatives to full-time university study. For employers, recognition can strengthen recruitment and skills development at a time when many sectors report recruitment pressures.
| Category | Telford College nominee | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Star | Amy Williams | Dawley Medical Practice |
| Rising Star | Melanie Massopust | Newdale Primary School |
| Construction Apprentice of the Year | Jack Henderson | Colas |
| IT & Digital | Ellie Hendley | Telford College (marketing team) |
| Manufacturing & Engineering | Ruby Leung | Hoshizaki Europe |
Next steps for finalists and the public
Finalists and their employers will prepare for the October awards evening, where winners are announced in front of peers and local business media. For residents interested in apprenticeships, Telford College continues to offer information and enrolment services; details are available through the college’s official channels.
This year’s nominations underline the role of vocational training in the local economy and the partnerships between education providers and businesses that help develop a skilled workforce for Telford and the wider county.
