Double Recognition for Cheshire College at West Cheshire Chamber Awards

Cheshire College – South & West is celebrating after being shortlisted in two categories at the West Cheshire Chamber Annual Recognition Awards.

The College has been shortlisted for the Excellence in Collaboration Award, sponsored by HF Owen Transport, for its partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council. Becky Smythe, a Business Administrator Apprentice at Cheshire College, has also been shortlisted for the Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester.

Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal & Deputy CEO at Cheshire College – South & West, said:

“We are delighted to see the College recognised in two categories at the West Cheshire Chamber Annual Recognition Awards. Becky has made a fantastic contribution during her apprenticeship, while our partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council continues to create valuable opportunities for our students and apprentices.”

Becky is completing her Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship while supporting the College’s Business Development Team with apprenticeship recruitment and placements.

During her apprenticeship, she has taken on additional responsibilities and stepped into the Apprenticeship Recruitment Placement Officer role to cover absence. She has since secured the position permanently.

Becky was also named Cheshire College – South & West Apprentice of the Year 2026 at the College’s Apprenticeship & Skills Awards.

The Excellence in Collaboration Award nomination recognises the College’s long-standing partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, which has supported 85 apprentices to complete their apprenticeships since 2020, with a further 47 currently enrolled.

The partnership has also created opportunities for students to learn more about careers in local government, with Council colleagues contributing to Careers Fairs and Apprenticeship Panels on campus.

Helen added:

“We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for both nominations when the winners are announced. It would be wonderful to see Becky’s hard work recognised, and equally exciting to see the partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council celebrated. We’re really looking forward to the awards and to celebrating alongside all of the other businesses, organisations and individuals who have been shortlisted.”

The West Cheshire Chamber Annual Recognition Awards will take place on 13^th November, with the winners announced during the ceremony.

For more information about Cheshire College – South & West, visit: 

www.ccsw.ac.uk.    

• As of 1 August 2026, Cheshire College – South & West and Macclesfield College formally became one organisation following the successful completion of their legal merger.
• The merged organisation is the largest provider of post-16 education in the region offering exciting opportunities to nearly 15,000 students and 1,500 apprentices.  
• The College offers a comprehensive range of programmes, from Entry Level to Level 7, including A Levels, T Levels, adult courses, apprenticeships, Higher Education courses and bespoke training for employers, providing clear pathways into higher education, apprenticeships and skilled employment.
• With £200 million invested in cutting-edge facilities across its Campuses, the College provides world-class learning environments that mirror industry settings. Specialist resources include Crewe Campus’ hospital ward, Anatomage Tables and Esports suite; Ellesmere Port’s Sustainable House and Motor Vehicle Workshop; and Chester Campus’ media booths, TV studios, gaming suites, Digital Hub and 3D printers
• As the lead provider in the Cheshire and Warrington Institute of Technology, the College is driving forward higher technical skills development, supported by a £14.2m IoT facility at Crewe Campus.
• The College has strong partnerships with local businesses including Bentley, Lloyds Bank, NHS, Stellantis, Scottish Power, Belong and National Gas, working collaboratively to meet skills priorities and boost economic growth across the region.

Pictured - Becky Smythe, a Business Administrator Apprentice at Cheshire College, collecting her award at Cheshire College’s Apprenticeship Awards in February 2026.