Fareham College Launches First Ever Online Annual Awards Ceremony

A new kind of award event was held this year to mark the incredible triumphs of Fareham College students.

Due to COVID-19, the College’s Annual Awards event, usually a glittering affair attended by well over two hundred people, was cancelled earlier this year. However, undeterred by the current situation and still intent on recognising the amazing achievements of its students, the College invited staff, students, sponsors and employers to connect online to celebrate the exceptional successes and accomplishments of its students across the 2019-20 academic year.

The online event, published on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/FarehamCollege), comprised videos of Fareham College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Andrew Kaye, opening the awards ceremony, videos and quotes from the winning students and sponsors and closing remarks from Kevin Briscoe, Chair of the Board of Governors at Fareham College.

Sponsors included The Society of Old Priceans, Coopervision, University of Portsmouth, IET Solent, Solent University and Peter Marsh Consulting. Many of the businesses work closely with the College to provide exceptional Apprenticeship training and employment opportunities for its students.

Among the 16 Award Categories this year were; ‘Outstanding Achievement’, ‘Academic Excellence’, ‘Advanced Apprentice of the Year’, ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’, ‘Trainee of the Year’, ‘Outstanding Technical Skills’ and ‘Personal Endeavour’.

There were 24 winners in the 16 award categories this year, plus one of the winners also received the prestigious ‘Student of the Year Award’, presented to the student who has displayed Fareham College’s values; Respect, Innovate and Excel, both in college and outside in the community. The winner of this prestigious award was kept a secret and was revealed during the online event.

Level 3 Uniformed Public Services Student Ed Ralls, winner of three awards at this year’s ceremony, including the Student of the Year Award said, “It has been an amazing experience to be part of Fareham College and to win the College’s coveted ‘Student of the Year’ Award. I have worked really hard this year, but I wouldn’t have achieved such fantastic results without the support and guidance from my lecturers. As a result, I have secured a Police Apprenticeship and in the future, I would like to work on the front-line in the Police Force.”

Level 3 Health and Social Care Student, Ellena Callaghan who won one of two ‘Work Experience’ Awards, as well as receiving outstanding feedback from her employer, said, “I am so happy to have received this award. The staff at Fareham College are very helpful and the facilities are excellent.”

Level 3 Sport Student, Patrick Hnath, winner of the ‘Sports Person of the Year’ Award added, “Thank you Fareham College. I have made lots of good friends and I am really enjoying my course. The facilities are exceptional, as is the support I have received from my lecturers, who go above and beyond to help you. I am really looking forward to my second year of college.”

Fareham College Principal and Chief Executive, Andrew Kaye said, “We are very fortunate to have so many students succeeding at Fareham College, therefore it is important that we stop to take the time to recognise and celebrate their achievements. Each year, this event highlights the fantastic achievements of our students, acknowledging the progress that they’ve made, their determination to succeed and the excellence they’ve demonstrated throughout the college year.

Due to the unprecedented circumstances we have experienced this year due to COVID-19, it is even more important than ever to recognise and celebrate our students’ triumphs and it is also our way of rewarding our students for their hard work, dedication and professionalism, which in turn continues to aid the College in winning awards and creating invaluable links with industry, nationally.

Many congratulations to our award-winners and to our amazing staff for encouraging and supporting these achievements.” 

Kevin Briscoe, Chair of the Board of Governors at Fareham College, drew the ceremony to a close saying, “we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate, not only the award winners, but all our students on their amazing achievements this year, despite the difficulties many faced due to the unprecedented circumstances caused by COVID-19. Thanks to the determination and commitment shown by Fareham College’s staff and students, they were able to make the seamless transition to online learning and complete the academic year with fantastic results. Many congratulations to you all and we wish you the very best for the future.