Local students were recently recognised for their exceptional skills and dedication at the annual Freemen and Guilds Awards.

Marking another milestone in the 57-year partnership between Cheshire College and the Freemen and Guilds of the City of Chester, the ceremony, held at Cheshire College's Ellesmere Port campus, celebrated the achievements of students across a diverse range of disciplines.

The Freemen and Guilds of the City of Chester was formed in the 12th century, representing 23 traditional trade guilds.

This includes joiners, carvers and turners, bricklayers, clothworkers, walkers, 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. 

"These awards remind us of the incredible talent emerging from our classrooms, workshops and kitchens every day," said Helen Nellist, deputy principal and deputy CEO of Cheshire College.

"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." 

President of the Freemen and Guilds of the City of Chester, Sara Smith, added: "It's a pleasure to recognise the outstanding achievements of these young people.

"The awards evening is a modern continuation of traditions our Guilds have upheld for centuries.

"They help us champion the skilled trades, support local talent and ensure these essential crafts thrive for future generations." 

Among this year's winners was Mupindishe Kajese, who is currently studying Applied Science BTEC National Extended Diploma - Level 3.

Having received the Mercers, Ironmongers, Grocers and Apothecaries Award, they said: "I feel very happy to have won an award.

"At first I didn't believe it but then my lecturers said I had won and that I deserved it so I'm really happy. I've got no words to explain it." 

• 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)