Lincoln pupils rewarded for dedication in preparing for the workplace

Students at a Lincoln school have been honoured for their commitment in gaining practical experience before they enter the world of work.

Awards were handed out at a glittering ceremony attended by pupils, parents and company supporters at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy.

It is the second year the academy has held its Work-Based Awards evening after a successful launch last year.

Keynote speaker Herman Kok, company secretary at Lindum, told the gathered nominees that four of the nine apprentices employed by the company this year had come from Sir Robert Pattinson Academy alone.

He said: “I’ve been a long-time fan of Sir Robert Pattinson Academy. Both of my children attended the school and both received a great start in life.

“The endeavours you have all been involved in are a great example of that experience. The activities the school has organised has given you an invaluable taste of the world of work and that will give you all an edge.”

A range of other local companies have supported the school’s work-based programmes including Bridge McFarland, Siemens, Trent Build, Praxair, the RAF, Appleby and Associates Dental Care, the University of Lincoln, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and the Work-Based Learning Alliance and Education Business Partnership.

Sponsored awards on the night came from Lincolnshire Co-operative, Lace Housing, Lindum and Software Europe.

Headteacher Helen Renard said: “We are so incredibly proud of all of the students. Of course those pupils nominated deserve special praise for their incredible commitment and hard work, but all of our students represent the school in such a positive light when they go into the community.

“The staff here pride themselves on not just helping pupils reach their own academic potential, but preparing students for a successful and fulfilling career with 15 confirmed apprenticeships this year.”

On the night the categories and their winners were:

• Snack Bar Idol – a project to create and run a mobile catering company. Winner; Toby Speed
• Goals for Life – a special day to develop their knowledge of the world of work. Winner; Oliver Thomas
• National Construction Week – an event at the Showground where pupils take part in various construction-based workshops. Winner; Shelbie Kenneally
• Workwise Day – a day of workshops run by local employers to help students understand different careers. Winner; Oliver Sinclair
• Work experience – Business and IT. Winner; Jamie Cross for his work at Birchwood Computers and Internet Centre
• Work Experience – Catering. Winner; Zara Evans for her work at Lincoln Golf Club
• Work Experience – Education. Winner; Lauren Holland for her work at John Blow Primary
• Work Experience – Engineering. Winner; Zak Wildman for his work at Listers Toyota
• Work Experience – General. Winner; Rebecca Ransome for her work at Siren FM
• Work Experience – Retail. Winner; Ben Jones for his work at Intersport
• Team Player of the Year. Winner; Rachel Gilbertson
• Student Volunteer of the Year. Winner; Oliver Renshaw
• Student Employee of the Year. Winner; Oliver Rawlings
• Apprentice of the Year. Winner; James McKirdy, apprentice at Siemens
• Employer of the Year. Winner; Software Europe