YOUNG people and employers from the Okehampton area led the field at two glittering award ceremonies at Exeter College recently.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the college held its annual Skills Awards night to recognise the achievements of its work-based learners.

Quinns hair salon in Okehampton had clearly impressed the judges, with two of its stylists coming away with top awards.

Stylist Hayley Gent won the award for apprentice hairdresser of the year, while salon owner and director stylist Dawn Pitts — also a former Exeter College student of the year — won the new employer of the year award.

Dawn said Hayley, who has worked at the East Street salon for two years, was a deserving winner of hairdressing apprentice of the year: 'The judges said Hayley works to a very high standard, so they focused a lot on the quality of her work. They also mentioned how much she had helped her fellow students, and made reference to her excellent attitude to learning. It's nice that they try and pick an all-rounder, and don't focus purely on achievement.'

The women from Quinns were not the only ones celebrating success on the night. Matthew Dennis was presented with the award for advanced apprentice trowel occupations for his work in bricklaying and masonry.

Matthew is now working full time with his father as a general builder. He said: 'I would recommend anyone looking to learn a trade to do an apprenticeship, because it really is the best way to learn. You can earn money and get experience at the same time, and for a trade, it's experience that counts.'

Around 80 guests attended the presentation ceremony and dinner at the aBode restaurant in Exeter, run by former Exeter College student of the year winner Michael Caines, who was also guest speaker.

Exeter College's construction faculty's annual awards ceremony last Wednesday saw another series of awards for people from the Okehampton area.

Three former Okehampton College students picked up awards on the night. Jack Reddan was named electrical installation full time student of the year, carpentry and joinery apprentice of the year (year 3) was won by Dale Chadwick, and Matt Dennis was awarded brickwork apprentice of the year (year 3).

Dale Chadwick is now a self-employed carpenter working across the South West. He said: 'The apprenticeship scheme at Exeter College was brilliant, it was certainly one of the best things I've ever done in terms of my education.'