8TH JUL 2025
Honourable Company of Gloucestershire and Lord Lieutenant Celebrate Outstanding Apprentices
Seventeen talented apprentices from across the county were honoured at the 2025 Anne Cadbury Apprentice Awards on Friday 4 July. Hosted at Hartpury University and College, the joint celebration brought together Gloucestershire College (GC) and Hartpury College, with distinguished guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Edward Gillespie OBE, and High Sheriff Julie Kent MBE.
Thirteen of the recognised apprentices were from Gloucestershire College, receiving generous bursaries funded by The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire. These grants help apprentices purchase essential tools and equipment—crucial support that enables them to progress in skilled trades such as engineering, construction, carpentry, farming, and more.
Now in its third year, the bursary scheme is currently available to apprentices based in Cheltenham and Gloucester, with plans to expand its reach to the entire county in the future.
The Lord Lieutenant was formally welcomed to the ceremony at Hartpury House and joined by college representatives and event hosts Claire Whitworth, Deputy Principal at Hartpury College, and Julie Tegg, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Training at Gloucestershire College. The event featured speeches, award presentations, and the opportunity for apprentices to connect with key figures from Gloucestershire’s education and business communities.
Celebrating Future Talent
Michael Jones, a former apprentice and now organiser of the bursary scheme, explained the programme’s origins:
“There are many apprentice awards in Gloucestershire, but we wanted to do something practical. As a former Apprentice of the Year myself, I know how valuable financial support can be at the start of a career. These awards are about removing barriers. Since launching, we’ve supported 46 apprentices with a total of £23,000 in funding, and we’re excited to continue growing the programme.”
Apprentice Harvey Storey, who is training to become an electrician with Vyelight Electrical Services, shared:
“This bursary will help me progress through college much more smoothly. The laptop I requested will allow me to better focus on my studies and store all my notes in one place for easy access, especially during exam season.”
Henry Bendle, an engineering apprentice at Research Performance Machining Ltd, added:
“I’m really grateful to receive this award. It’ll help me buy the tools I need to properly start my engineering career. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and figuring out how things work—this support makes a real difference.”
Claire Whitworth praised the apprentices and highlighted the power of partnership:
“It’s been a true honour to welcome the Lord Lieutenant to Hartpury for such a special event. These bursaries enable our apprentices to succeed and show what’s possible when we invest in young people.”
Gloucestershire College apprentice Emily Dowdeswell, currently on an advanced manufacturing apprenticeship with GE Aerospace, said:
“I studied psychology and zoology before switching paths. Inspired by my dad, I pursued engineering—and I’m so grateful for this award. The bursary will help me purchase an iPad and stylus, essential for my practical college work like designing circuits and appliances.”
Julie Tegg echoed the appreciation:
“We’re incredibly grateful to The Honourable Company for their continued support of our construction and engineering apprentices. Their generous bursaries help remove financial barriers by covering the essential cost of tools and equipment — giving our learners the strongest foundation to succeed in their chosen careers. This valued partnership has made a real difference over the years, and we’re proud to be working together to support the next generation of skilled workforce.”
Gloucestershire College Award Recipients (Engineering, Electrical, and Carpentry)
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Oliver Faubel – Engineering (Hydro Aluminium)
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Zachary Rose – Engineering (Renishaw)
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Ellery Millar – Electrical (UBE Communications)
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Harvey Storey – Electrical (Vyelight Electrical Services)
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Jacob Storey – Electrical (GRP Electrical)
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Kyle Bick – Electrical (Gloucester Electrical Contractors)
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Emily Dowdeswell – Engineering (GE Aerospace)
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Henry Bendle – Engineering (Research Performance Machining Ltd)
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Nemo Antoniou – Engineering (DKM Sheet Metal Company)
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Amy Brown – Carpentry (Tombs Developments) – Also named 2024 National Apprentice of the Year
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Archie Phillips – Carpentry (JHF Construction)
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Finlay Davis – Carpentry (Mayfair Carpentry & Joinery)
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Jacob Hendy – Carpentry (Oaksmith Building)
Hartpury College Apprentices (Level 2 General Farm Worker Apprenticeship)
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Bryce Mather – (Plusterwine Farm)
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Jasper Winwood-Hall – (Alkerton Green Farm)
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Sam Dearman – (Kingham Hill Farm)
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Jack Dash – (Redhill Farm)
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Elian Taylor – (Earthcott Green Farm)
The event concluded with light refreshments and photographs, celebrating the dedication and success of Gloucestershire’s next generation of skilled professionals.
For more information about Gloucestershire College’s apprenticeships visit www.gloscol.ac.uk/employers or email: employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk
