Carlisle College held their second annual Apprenticeship Awards earlier this month, an event that recognised and celebrated apprentices, staff and employers who have gone above and beyond to champion apprenticeships as a career route.

Nominations were made by Carlisle College staff, employers and apprentices before being shortlisted by the college’s Senior Leadership Team.

Among the winners was Lisa Ellis, a Motor Vehicle Technician apprentice at Halfords, who was named both Technical Services Apprentice of the Year and overall Apprentice of the Year by Carlisle College Principal, Sarah McGrath.

Accepting her Apprentice of the Year Award, Lisa said: "Thanks to Carlisle College for the opportunity and to Andy Wood for nominating me. I felt very honoured to be nominated for this award and never imagined I would go on to win not only one but two awards, I was overwhelmed!"

Reflecting on the event, Sarah McGrath added: “I’m really proud of our apprentices and employer partnerships here at Carlisle College and it was a real pleasure to celebrate them for the second year running.

“Congratulations to our winners and everyone who was nominated, and a special thank you to all our supporters, including our event sponsor Persimmon Homes and all of our award category sponsors.”

2024 Winners:

  • Leon Hodgson (Central Motors) - Best Newcomer 
  • Joshua Edgar (Carlisle Key) - Most Improved 
  • Sian Sidgwick (Cumberland Council) - Employer Choice 
  • Reeve Telford (Phillip Taylor) - Construction Apprentice of the Year 
  • Lisa Ellis (Halfords) - Technical Services Apprentice of the Year  
  • Lewis Wilkinson (Energus) - Professional Services Apprentice of the Year 
  • Andy Wood (Carlisle College) - “Apprentice Choice” Staff Recognition Award 
  • Lamonds Painting & Decorating - Small Employer of the Year 
  • Border City Autos Limited - Medium Size Business of the Year 
  • Crown Bevcan - Large Business of the Year 
  • Lisa Ellis (Halfords) - Apprentice of the Year 


Employers wanting to find out about getting involved with the 2025 event can contact VStafford@carlisle.ac.uk