March has been a fantastic month of celebration for our customers, partners, and learners across the North of England, as we joined two inspiring events dedicated to recognising skills, achievement, and the next generation of talent. From Lancashire to Carlisle, these occasions highlighted the commitment of learners, educators, and employers who are working together to build strong futures through education and training.

 

Lancashire Skills Awards

Jeanine Reed, NOCN Group Business Development Manager, spent three inspiring days attending the Lancashire Skills Awards - a flagship event celebrating outstanding student achievement across the region. The awards brought together learners from colleges throughout Lancashire, each showcasing the technical expertise, professionalism, and dedication they have developed during their studies.

NOCN Group was proud to sponsor six award categories, including Engineering, Health and Social Care, and Construction. Each category reflected the breadth of vocational learning taking place across the region and the vital role these industries play in supporting local communities and economic growth.

The atmosphere throughout the event was one of encouragement and pride, as students demonstrated not only their technical abilities but also confidence, teamwork, and a clear passion for their chosen careers. The awards provided an important platform for recognising the hard work that learners invest in developing practical skills that will shape their future employment opportunities.

Jeanine shared her experience of the event:

“It was fantastic to see the exceptional standard of skills demonstrated at each event. It’s uplifting to witness the dedication, passion, and raw talent of young people across Lancashire, alongside the incredible support from colleges who champion them every day.”

 

Carlisle College Apprenticeship Awards

Continuing the celebrations, Carlisle College hosted its annual Apprenticeship Awards, an event designed to recognise the achievements, commitment, and progress of apprentices and the employers who support them. The awards highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have in developing skilled professionals while enabling businesses to nurture talent within their workforce.

NOCN Group was delighted to sponsor the Most Improved Apprentice Award, which was presented to Eva Nicholson from Lloyd Motors. The award recognises individuals who have demonstrated significant progress during their apprenticeship journey, and Eva’s achievement reflects her dedication, determination, and commitment to developing her skills.

Lisa Hibbard, NOCN Group National Account Manager, said:

“It was inspiring to see the commitment shown by learners at Carlise College and the strong support provided by employers and training teams. Celebrating achievements like these highlights the real impact apprenticeships have in developing confident, skilled professionals ready for the future. ”

Events such as these showcase the transformative power of apprenticeships, providing learners with real-world experience while helping employers invest in future talent.

We are proud to support valued partners such as Lancashire Colleges and Carlisle College, whose ongoing work helps apprentices and learners build strong foundations for successful careers. Congratulations to all participants, finalists, and winners - your achievements represent the bright future of skills across the North of England.