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The Corporation

Posted: 03/12/14

Life is sweet for award-winning apprentice

An apprentice from West Nottinghamshire College, who works for a well-known chocolate production company, is celebrating winning an award at the food manufacturing industry’s ‘Oscars’.

Jodie Adcock, centre, winner of the Young Talent award

Jodie Adcock, from Selston, scooped the inaugural Young Talent of the Year award at the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards (FMEAs) for her work as a production line manager at Thorntons, in Somercotes, Derbyshire.

The 24-year-old’s achievements were recognised in front of hundreds of industry guests at the ceremony held at the Park Lane Hilton in London, on 20 November.

Jodie, who has studied a Level Two Apprenticeship in Operational Performance as well as the Level Three Food Manufacturing Excellence Apprenticeship through the college, was selected from six high-calibre entrants.

The Young Talent award celebrates the achievement of one of the rising stars of food and drink manufacturing and Jodie was recognised by judges for her skill, maturity and track-record for improvement as well as her confidence and ability to deliver positive results when given extra responsibility.

She collected her trophy from award sponsor Marcus Brasier, managing director at b3 Jobs Limited and was joined on stage by TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith.

Sacha McCarthy, director of employer engagement at West Nottinghamshire College, said: “Jodie has demonstrated with passion how the balance of managing a full-time job whilst studying an apprenticeship not only benefits her but the organisation.

“The opportunities for Jodie are endless and she continues to inspire those around her, promoting the manufacturing sector – a truly dedicated individual who I am sure will continue to shine.”

Peter Booth, managing director of CQM Training and Consultancy, who delivered Jodie’s apprenticeship training at Thorntons, said: “We are extremely proud of Jodie’s significant achievement in being the first ever winner of the Young Talent award.

“To have her apprenticeship training recognised in such a way is a great accolade for all those involved, not just ourselves at CQM, but also our partners at West Nottinghamshire College who jointly funded the scheme with Thorntons.”

Also shortlisted in this category were: Benjamin Bowman, from OAL Olympus Automation, Matthew Glynn, Windyridge Cheese, Jessica Lowe, from Hovis, Alice Marks, of Willowbrook Foods and Amy Watson, from The Fresh Olive Company.

The annual FMEAs, organised by William Reed Business Media’s Food Manufacture Group, now in their 14th year, have become the premier event in the food and drink manufacturing calendar.