East Sussex College Celebrates Outstanding Achievement at Automotive Training Centre Awards
East Sussex College's Automotive Training Centre (ATC) celebrated another successful year of student achievement, industry partnership and automotive excellence at its annual awards ceremony.
Held at the College's Automotive Training Centre in Hastings, the event brought together students, staff, governors, employers, family members and industry partners to recognise the dedication, progress and success of learners across the automotive curriculum.
Awards were presented by Nick Backstrom, Deputy Principal at East Sussex College, who congratulated students on their achievements and joined staff in celebrating another exceptional year for the department.
Opening the ceremony, Deputy Head of Curriculum for Construction, Computing, Engineering, Motor Vehicle, Electrical & Access Nick Wood praised students, staff and employers for their contributions to the centre's continued success.
"Today is not just about handing out awards – it's about recognising effort, celebrating achievement, and honouring the dedication that has brought us all together. Our learners have gone beyond simply gaining qualifications – they've developed real-world skills, built confidence, and taken meaningful steps toward their futures in the automotive industry.
"We're also marking the end of an era, as this is the final awards ceremony to be held at our Automotive Training Centre before we move into our new Green Automotive Centre of Excellence at the Ore Valley campus. It's an exciting next step for automotive training at East Sussex College and one that will create even more opportunities for our students and industry partners in the years ahead."
The event was particularly significant as it marked the final awards ceremony to be held at the Automotive Training Centre's Northridge Industrial Estate site before the department relocates to East Sussex College's new Green Automotive Centre of Excellence at the Ore Valley campus from September.
The College's industry partners and employers were also recognised for the vital role they play in supporting student development through work placements, industry insight and hands-on experience. Their continued involvement helps bridge the gap between training and employment, ensuring students are well prepared for careers in the automotive sector.
Among the award recipients were students recognised for their improvement, academic achievement, attendance and commitment to the automotive industry.
Most Improved Student Awards
- Level 1 Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance: Josh Cottrill
- Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles: Joe Shuttlewood
- Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles: Hermione Elrick
- Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles: Hayden Foster
Top Student Awards
- Level 1 Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance: Lewis Ellis
- Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles: Lewis Jackson
- Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles: Conner Baker
- Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles: Jude Foster
- Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprentice of the Year: Teddy Clements
The ceremony also celebrated another year of outstanding student performance, including a 100% pass rate for both Level 2 Diploma and Level 3 Diploma learners, with the Level 3 group achieving a second consecutive year of 100% achievement.
A popular highlight of the event was the annual ATC Attendance Raffle, which rewards students for their commitment to attendance throughout the year. Thanks to the generosity of local employers and industry partners, students had the opportunity to win a range of prizes including vehicles, toolkits, diagnostic equipment and vouchers.
Top prize, a Peugeot 107 donated by Central Cars of Bexhill, was won by Jude Foster, while Chloe Walton won a Honda Shadow 125 motorcycle donated by Beeson Motorcycles.
The raffle, which has grown significantly in recent years, was made possible through the generosity of local employers and industry partners, whose support continues to enrich the student experience and strengthen links between education and industry.
The College would like to thank all employers, sponsors, staff, governors and guests who attended and contributed to the success of the event. The awards ceremony served as both a celebration of current success and an exciting look ahead to the future of automotive training at East Sussex College.