Celebrating the future of skilled trades at Cheshire College Awards
Community
Outstanding students from Cheshire College – South & West were recognised for their exceptional skills and dedication at the annual Freemen and Guilds Awards, held at the College’s Ellesmere Port Campus.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of students across a diverse range of disciplines and marked another milestone in the 57-year partnership between Cheshire College and the Freemen and Guilds of the City of Chester.
Surrounded by proud family members, College staff, and representatives from the Freemen and Guilds, this year’s award recipients were recognised across a wide range of disciplines, from construction and motor vehicle technology to hospitality and creative arts.
The Freemen and Guilds of the City of Chester, formed in the 12th century, represent 23 traditional trade Guilds including the Joiners, Carvers and Turners, Bricklayers, Clothworkers, Walkers and Masons, and Barber Surgeons. The Guilds were established to represent local tradesmen, maintain the quality of their goods, and support the recruitment and training of apprentices.
Today, the Freemen and Guilds Awards aim to celebrate young talent in trades, ensuring the preservation and future success of these essential crafts.
Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College, said: “These awards remind us of the incredible talent emerging from our classrooms, workshops and kitchens every day. In a world that is increasingly shaped by innovation and craftsmanship, our students are gaining the skills and confidence to shape the future.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Freemen and Guilds and celebrate the contribution of our students to local industry and beyond.”
Award categories included the Ancient and Worshipful Company of Bricklayers Award, the Saddlers and Curriers Award, the Painters, Glaziers, Embroiderers and Stationers Award, and the Weavers Award — all reflecting the breadth of traditional crafts represented by the Guilds.
Full list of 2025 award winners
Marley Dickenson – Coopers Company Award (Engineering)
Lukasz Paprocki – 14-16 Pre-Apprentice Award for Outstanding Achievement
Louis Chapman – Butchers Award (Hospitality and Catering)
Matthew Murray – Joiners and Carvers Award (Construction – Wood Trades)
Thomas Edwards – Mercers, Ironmongers, Grocers and Apothecaries Award – Ironmongers Award (Engineering)
Tina Hall – Saddlers and Curriers Award (Motor Vehicle)
Brittany Juma – Innholders, Cooks and Victuallers Company Award (Hospitality and Catering)
Jasmine Beever – Painters, Glaziers, Embroiderers and Stationers Award (Visual Arts)
Marcel Tobiasz – Bakers Award (Hospitality and Catering)
Will Keay – Weavers Award (Visual Arts)
Alec Diep – Ancient and Worshipful Company of Bricklayers Award (Construction- Brick)
Hussein Aljanob – Cappers, Pinners, Wiredrawers & Linendrapers Award (Construction-Electrical)
Nathan Kerr – Barber Surgeons, Wax and Tallow Chandlers Co Award (Hair and Beauty)
Mupindishe Kajese – Mercers, Ironmongers, Grocers and Apothecaries – Pharmacy Award (Science)
Kaylan Thompson – Smiths, Cutlers and Plumbers Award (Construction-Plumbing)
