The shortlist for the 2025 Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards has been announced.
The announcement comes after Truro and Penwith College's ninth annual awards received more than 140 nominations across 18 categories, the highest number ever.
The awards includes the popular public vote for the Achiever of the Year category, recognising learners who have overcome personal challenges or adversity - with some sharing their stories below.
The awards ceremony, which outgrew its traditional college venue in 2024, will return to the Eden Project on Friday, February 7.
It will be hosted by Truro and Penwith College, supported by Hertzian, and attended by a range of local and national sponsors.
The ceremony will be presented by Neil and Saffy from Hits Radio Cornwall's breakfast show.
Forty-nine nominees from colleges and training providers across Cornwall have been shortlisted in 18 categories, including the new Nursing and Clinical and Healthcare and Early Years categories.
The popular public vote for the Achiever of the Year category has also returned.
The nominees for this category are Cheryl Wright, Toby Phillips and Piers Smith.
Chef apprentice Piers has a hearing impediment and some learning needs. He was bullied at school and was worried about returning to education. Despite this, he has delivered an increase in profit for his employer and raised more than £1,000 for charity.
Marketing apprentice Cheryl is a mother of four who faced eviction from her home and broke her hand while completing her final portfolio work.
She has filled a critical gap in her employer's marketing, raising the profile of adult social care jobs in Cornwall.
Hospitality apprentice Toby has shown high levels of determination to manage the workload of English and maths qualifications alongside his apprenticeship.
He has moved from entry-level tasks at work to running his own section of the restaurant and training new team members.
Martin Tucker, principal at Truro and Penwith College, said: "We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the ninth annual Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.
"The college is incredibly proud of the awards and the high regard in which it is held by employers and learners across the county.
"For apprenticeships to deliver economically they need to be of the highest quality.
"The awards present a perfect opportunity to recognise that quality and we look forward to a very enjoyable evening celebrating all the talent that exists across the apprenticeship provision in the county on 7 February."
For more information about the 2025 Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards, visit the Truro and Penwith College website.
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