Youngsters from the college took part in an awards presentation at the Scarborough campus of Yorkshire Coast College earlier this month

Many of the pre-16 award winners were from Whitby.

Staff, employers and representatives from local schools all turned out to show their support.

The awards were for a wide variety of vocational areas

Phil Woods, work related learning manager for Whitby Community College, said: “It was a pleasure to see so many students picking up younger learner vocational awards.

He added: “I would like to congratulate all the students that have gained vocational qualifications this year.

“I would also like to thank local employers for their support in offering work placements and apprenticeships.”

The younger learners department at Yorkshire Coast College encompasses vocational programmes, the raising educational achievement and challenging horizons (Reach) programme and the young apprenticeship programme.

These programmes are run in conjunction with local schools and allow pre-16 learners to attend Yorkshire Coast College one day a week on a programme of work related learning.

They aim to raise awareness of wider vocational opportunities as well as to increase the motivation, confidence and self-esteem of young people.

The Reach programme is an alternative pathway of education for those that face unique and difficult circumstances and are interested in vocational areas.

The young apprenticeship programme has been running since 2005 and is aimed at hardworking, talented learners interested in both practical and theoretical skills.

As well as studying at YCC for an approved nationally recognised level 2 qualification, learners also spend 50 days during the two-year programme gaining work experience and employability skills.

Debbie Williams, young apprenticeship co-ordinator said: “I am incredibly proud of the young apprentices who, throughout this first year of their programme, have shown dedication and enthusiasm towards their training. It is a pleasure to share in their success.”

The winners were Alex Anstill for construction, Andrew Chilton for motor vehicle, Gerald Hepworth for engineering, Rachael Knaggs for beauty therapy, Adam Lewis for motor vehicle, James Wood for catering, Alexander Booth for enginerring,Tom Dossor for motor vehicle, Greg Platts (pictured) for business administration and Harry Twigge for engineering.