Apprentices, their families and colleagues came together to celebrate in style and witness a historic Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards, hosted by Truro and Penwith College at the Eden Project on Friday, February 7.

The awards showcased the achievements of 49 shortlisted employer, mentor and apprentice nominees after a record-breaking year, with well over 140 nominations received across 18 categories.

The ever-popular public vote to help determine Cornwall’s Achiever of the Year also attracted well over a record breaking 700 online votes from members of the public.

Oliver Elwell-Deighton was presented the coveted title of Cornwall’s Apprentice of the Year 2025 after also picking up Digital & IT Apprentice of the Year award. He has played a leading role in the development of software features for his employer, face recognition technology-focused TouchByte based at Tremough Innovation Centre in Penryn, and went on to pitch products at international trade shows in the Netherlands, USA, Dubai and beyond.

Piers Smith collected the popular Apprentice Achiever of the Year Award. Piers has overcome a hearing impediment and some learning needs that give him a unique outlook. He was the victim of bullying throughout school and his first day at college marked the first time he had left Fowey on his own. He is now running a restaurant dessert section at Haveners, increasing profits and has raised more than £1,000 for charity.

The Large Apprentice Employer of the Year award was won by Seasalt Cornwall, with 82 per cent of its apprentices securing permanent roles and a 100 per cent pass rate.

SME Employer of the Year winners RG Kellow has seen its apprenticeships improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, deliver cost savings and increase revenue by 25 per cent.

Truro and Penwith College principal Martin Tucker said: “For apprenticeships to deliver economically, they need to be of the highest quality. A huge congratulations to all of tonight’s nominees - we can’t wait to see where their careers take them next”.

Neil and Saffy from the Hits Radio Cornwall Breakfast Show presented the awards, held in partnership with headline sponsors Hertzian, award partners Duchy Hospital, Wildanet, Watson-Marlow, media partners Business Cornwall, reception sponsors CORMAC and a host of local and national sponsors.

Special guests were MPs Perran Moon (Camborne and Redruth), Noah Law (St Austell and Newquay) and Jayne Kirkham (Truro and Falmouth).

Further winners were: