THE first Youth and Business Achievement Awards, organised by the 16-24 Work Club Kingsbridge, took place last week.

The awards, known as the YABAAs, aim to ‘recognise, celebrate, inspire and motivate’ local 16-24-year-olds and employers to build on and make a positive difference to their community.

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Sabre Finance, which looks for an ‘apprentice who has demonstrated commitment to learning and has added value to the business’ was won by Jack Taylor with Lewis Wonacott and Carly Westlake being Highly Commended, and Shannon Bolton the runner up.

Apprentice Employer of the Year, sponsored by Bibby’s Accountants, awarded an ‘employer who has enabled an apprentice to flourish through ongoing commitment’. The winner was Hair Advice Centre and Pebbles of Salcombe the runner up.

Jack Tanner Legacy Award, sponsored by Soar Mill Cove Hotel, celebrated an ‘exceptionally inspiring 16-24-year-old, who can motivate others to reach their potential’. Emily Tolchard won the award, with Andrew Keeler being Highly Commenced and Rowanne Hamilton as the runner up.

Employer of the Year, sponsored by Pizza Planet, was looking for a ‘local business that has inspired, motivated and supported 16-24-year-olds to reach their potential’. Hair Advice Centre won the award, with Pebbles of Salcombe as runners up.

Learner of the Year, sponsored by Pebbles of Salcombe, awarded a ’16-24-year-old who has been involved with any internal or external training, distance learning or further education; who may have overcome obstacles, who stands out as a shining example to motivate and inspire others’. The winner was Kelly Marks, Highly Commended was Rowanne Hamilton and Louise Jerrad as runner up.

The Volunteer/Peer Mentor/Enabler Award, Sponsored by Hair Advice Centre, awarded a ‘16-24-year-old, who is a volunteer, mentor or enabler to others in a work or business environment OR a work colleague who has helped 16-24-year-olds through being a mentor, volunteer or enabler. Zoe Hine took the award, with Emily Luscombe being Highly Commenced and Dan Lynn as runner up.

Simon Gotch, chair of Skills Training UK and one of the judges, said: ‘All the judging panel were so very impressed by the high level of achievement that they added an additional category of highly commended to the winner and runner-up category for each of the 16-24-year-old nominated entries.’

Sha Hard, 16–24 Work Club Kingsbridge, said: ‘Special thanks goes to our sponsors and supporters of the event including: The Jack Tanner Award Fund, which provided the funding for the brilliant trophies for the 16-24 year olds, Kingsbridge and Salcombe Chamber of Commerce, LA Lighting, Max Styles Photography, Laura Harding and all her staff at Costa,

Amanda Keetley of Vivid Results, the Spirtulized Trustees, Winners Trophies of Paignton and Nick Walker Printing.’

The judges were: Susan Fish, chair of Spiritulized Trustees, Simon Gotch – chair of Skills Training UK and Samantha Short – manager of Kingsbridge Information Centre and Vice Chair of Kingsbridge and Salcombe Chamber of Commerce.