Stephen and Lily Shine at Apprenticeship Awards

Two Lincoln College apprentices are smiling after being named as Special Recognition winners at the Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Champion Awards. 

Lily Robinson-Brown, 17 and Stephen Mowlaei, 22, were given Special Recognition prizes at the annual awards evening, this year held at The Drill. 

A night to celebrate apprentices, employers and those who train and support them, the awards were hosted by Melvyn Prior, with speakers from Lincoln City Football Club, Bakkavor, Lincolnshire County Council and more. 

Nominated alongside fellow Lincoln College apprentices Jimmy Hill from Siemens Lincoln and hairdressing apprentice, Breanna Newberry, Stephen and Lily took home gongs that were awarded by the judges, who ultimately named Melanie Papworth, an Enterprise Co-Ordinator as their overall winner. 

Lily, who has overcome personal challenges including anxiety and dyslexia to succeed at her apprenticeship in Warehousing at Pozzani Pure Water in Louth, has been praised for her positive changes within the company. 

Her employer, Office Manager at Pozzani, Linda Longmate, said: “We are thrilled that Lily has been recognised, she has done incredibly well in her position and we can’t wait to see where her role takes her next.”  

Stephen, who works as a Finance Administrator at Lincoln City Football Club’s Community Foundation was also praised for his bravery after sharing his story. Stephen has overcome a difficult situation after troubles in his life led to a short prison sentence. He was recognised for having turned his life around and now mentoring other former offenders to find their way in life. 

Stephen said: “I can’t put into words what this means, to be nominated was amazing but to take something home with me is amazing. It means the world for the future and what I might do next in my career.”