Cornwall
Apprenticeship
Awards sponsors
2025
A huge thank you to our sponsors, supporters and partners from across the Cornish business community, without whom the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards would not be possible.
Headline Sponsor
Hertzian
Hertzian started development in 2015 and is recognised by the UK government as one of the country’s leading AI companies with clients like the NHS, Warner Brothers and Pinewood Studios. Hertzian specialises in identifying the context within their customer's digital discussion using tailored, industry-leading Machine Learning & Natural Language applications.
Award Partner Sponsor
Duchy hospital, part of ramsay health care UK
Duchy Hospital is Cornwall's only private hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK, one of the leading independent healthcare providers in England. The hospital has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality healthcare for patients with health insurance, patients who are self-funding treatment or NHS patients exercising choice through the e-referral system.
"The awards showcase the important work being done across the County of Cornwall; the skills shortage has hit every industry, but none harder than the STEM sector. The Ramsay Way means we put our people at our cultural core. Duchy Hospital firmly believes in practical learning underpinned by sound theory and experienced mentors, the apprenticeship model matches that ethos perfectly. Finding a candidate of any age that is wanting to learn and develop in their career is an asset to any employer, the enthusiasm and positive outlook our apprentices bring is something all companies and organisations can benefit from. We are very happy to be sponsoring Cornwall’s Apprenticeship Awards event as Nursing & Clinical Apprentice of the Year Award Partner Sponsor."
Award Partner Sponsor
watson marlow fluid technology solutions
Watson-Marlow is a global leader in fluid management technology, specialising in peristaltic pumps and associated fluid path technologies. With over 60 years of expertise, the company delivers innovative and high-quality solutions across diverse industries including biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage, water and wastewater, and chemicals. Watson-Marlow prides itself on its commitment to excellence, reliability, and sustainability, providing customers with precise and efficient fluid handling systems that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. Based in Falmouth, Cornwall, Watson-Marlow is dedicated to fostering local talent and contributing to the community’s economic growth and development.
Brian Hooper, General Manager of Watson-Marlow: "As a company, we at Watson-Marlow believe in investing in the future of Cornwall's talent. Sponsoring the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards allows us to support and recognise the remarkable achievements of apprentices, who are vital to the continued growth and innovation of our industry. By encouraging and celebrating these young professionals, we help ensure a thriving future for both our business and our region."
Award Partner Sponsor
Trophy Sponsor
British lithium
Before the end of the decade, Imerys British Lithium will use its patented technology and existing hard rock quarry, alongside a new beneficial plant and lithium resource to produce over 21,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate every year, for at least 30 years. This is enough to supply over half a million electric car batteries every year.
Richard Townsend, HR Director for Imerys in the UK: "Lithium production in Cornwall offers an opportunity for local people to join an exciting, developing industry. Imerys British Lithium is at the forefrong of this. We look forward to working with local training partners as we create new pathways needed to equip the next generation for employment in burgeoning green industries alongside more traditional pathways which have proved successful in the wider Imerys organisation for many years."
Media Partner
Business Cornwall
Business Cornwall is a magazine and website dedicated to providing the latest Cornish business news and information to the Duchy’s vibrant business community. Not only does Business Cornwall promote and support the Cornish business scene, it is very much a part of it. An independently-owned Cornish company, we are proud to sponsor the Truro and Penwith College Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.
Caroline Carter, Account Manager: "Business Cornwall is proud to sponsor the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards. We are proud to be associated with Truro and Penwith College and the skills and talent that will shape future business in Cornwall."
Apprentice of the Year Categories
Accountancy
sponsorship available
Business & Management
Imerys is a world leader in mineral-based specialty solutions for industry, with €4.4 billion revenue and 14,000 employees worldwide. We deliver high-value-added, functional solutions to diversified industrial sectors, from processing industries to consumer goods. We draw on our knowledge of applications, technological expertise, and material science to deliver solutions with our mineral resources, synthetic minerals, and formulations.
"We are proud to be sponsoring the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards this year, specifically supporting the Business & Management category. Here at Imerys, we highly value and promote the benefits that an apprenticeship can bring - to both the individual apprentice, the team in which they work and Imerys as an employer. We want to join Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards in celebrating and recognising the value that technical and vocational education pathways can bring to the careers of many across the county. Within Imerys we have countless inspiring examples of colleagues who joined as apprentices and are still with us, 20, 30 even 40 years later, often having developed into senior roles. Good luck to all the apprentices at this year's awards, and good luck with your ongoing careers!"
Construction & Trade
Established in 1959, Dales Cornwall has been selling and servicing cars in Cornwall for over 60 years. We are delighted to bring new and used cars and vans to the community, as well as offer services, repairs, parts and accessories to you as your local modern motor retailer.
Bobby Vanderplank, Marketing: "We are delighted to support the apprenticeship schemes in Cornwall."
Digital & IT
Formed in 2009, by any measure Cornwall Council is one of the largest councils in the country, providing a very diverse range of services to a population of 570,000 and an annual influx of c5 million visitors.
Engineering & Manufacturing
CMG is a group of 55 companies that together employ 4000 people and with sales of £600M. The group promotes the bouyant and diverse Manufcaturing sector in Cornwall.
Hair & Beauty
sponsorship available
Nursing & Clinical
Duchy Hospital is Cornwall's only private hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK, one of the leading independent healthcare providers in England. The hospital has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality healthcare for patients with health insurance, patients who are self-funding treatment or NHS patients exercising choice through the e-referral system.
"The awards showcase the important work being done across the County of Cornwall; the skills shortage has hit every industry, but none harder than the STEM sector. The Ramsay Way means we put our people at our cultural core. Duchy Hospital firmly believes in practical learning underpinned by sound theory and experienced mentors, the apprenticeship model matches that ethos perfectly. Finding a candidate of any age that is wanting to learn and develop in their career is an asset to any employer, the enthusiasm and positive outlook our apprentices bring is something all companies and organisations can benefit from. We are very happy to be sponsoring Cornwall’s Apprenticeship Awards event as Nursing & Clinical Apprentice of the Year Award Partner Sponsor."
Hospitality
We've been brewing exceptional beers and running iconic venues across the Southwest for over 170 years. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and people are the lifeblood of our industry. As major apprentice employers, we're proud to support and nurture the emerging talent showcased here this evening.
"We're proud to sponsor the Hospitality Category of the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards because we're deeply committed to nurturing the people at the centre of our industry. This event is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and talent, and it perfectly highlights the diverse and rewarding career opportunities that the hospitality sector offers."
Land-based
sponsorship available
Marketing
Premier Foods is one of the UK’s largest food producers and home to well-loved brands including Ambrosia, Batchelors, Mr. Kipling, Oxo and Sharwood’s. We create great tasting products that contribute to healthy, balanced diets, and we’re committed to nurturing our people, local communities and planet under our Purpose - ‘Enriching Life Through Food’.
“We are proud to sponsor this apprenticeship award. We value and invest in young talent across many skill areas. Apprentices are critical to our business and we love to support upcoming talent nurturing their creativity and helping them to thrive in their chosen careers.”
Motor Vehicle
Go Cornwall Bus delivers bus services across Cornwall, ensuring passengers can access vital services, as well as the people and places they love.
Caroline Spurr: "We are proud to support the Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year category at this years’ Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards. It’s great to see all the hard working nominees come together and it’s exciting to see where their career progression may take them."
Employer of the Year Categories
Large employer (>250 employees)
GetMyFirstJob is the leading platform for linking young people from all backgrounds to opportunities that are right for them. We do this through award winning technology, passionate people and strong partnerships. In the past 12-months placing over 30,000 people into their first job.
John Parkes, Director and Co-Founder: "Our sponsorship of these awards recognises the superb work undertaken by the college in supporting in particular the young people of Cornwall and the Apprentices themselves who have shown great resilience in recent years."
SME employer (<250 employees)
Eden Project is well known as a Visitor Attraction - but at our heart we are an Educational Charity that helps share the story and importance of leading more sustainable lives. We work collaboratively through multiple channels to help share the stories and practical ways in which we can protect our environment and ultimately tackle climate change together.
Cross-Sector Awards
Workplace Mentor of the year
We are the People Behind the Glass with over 45 years experience as a hands on, family owned business. Headed by our workforce of skilled colleagues and using the very latest technology and machinery we are proud to produce, manufacture and fit the best quality glass products throughout the Westcountry.
Mark Knight, Managing Director: "At Cornwall Glass we believe it’s important to employ apprentices throughout the whole business. They bring a different dynamic to the team as well as new ideas and are the future of the business. Our Apprenticeship journey focus on using our existing skilled workforce to mentor our apprentices as they help their apprentices progress as a result of their knowledge and support, as well as enhancing their own leadership skills and confidence."
Entertainment
Welcome/Table Entertainment
Watson-Marlow is a global leader in fluid management technology, specialising in peristaltic pumps and associated fluid path technologies. With over 60 years of expertise, the company delivers innovative and high-quality solutions across diverse industries including biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage, water and wastewater, and chemicals. Watson-Marlow prides itself on its commitment to excellence, reliability, and sustainability, providing customers with precise and efficient fluid handling systems that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. Based in Falmouth, Cornwall, Watson-Marlow is dedicated to fostering local talent and contributing to the community’s economic growth and development.
Brian Hooper, General Manager of Watson-Marlow: "As a company, we at Watson-Marlow believe in investing in the future of Cornwall's talent. Sponsoring the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards allows us to support and recognise the remarkable achievements of apprentices, who are vital to the continued growth and innovation of our industry. By encouraging and celebrating these young professionals, we help ensure a thriving future for both our business and our region."
Table & reception/drinks sponsor
Cormac is a leading civil engineering contractor providing a wide range of specialist services in Cornwall and beyond. Wherever we work our deep connections in our own communities give us a local perspective and a commitment to social value which makes us different from other contractors.
Andy Wallis, Learning and Development Specialist: “Cormac are a firm believer in the massive benefits of apprenticeships, and we are committed to ensuring that we offer opportunities throughout all areas of our business. Not only are apprenticeships an amazing way to offer career opportunities for the communities we serve, but they also help support the growth of our business. We are delighted to supporting these awards that celebrate the successes of the fantastic apprentices in Cornwall.”
