Berkshire were rewarded in a glittering ceremony coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week.

Leza Hulbert, from Bracknell, was crowned HIT’s Apprentice of the Year for Berkshire, with her placement in Theale. Robert Parker, also from Bracknell, and George Smith from Twyford, both received runner up awards for Berkshire.

Ms Hulbert works at White Grove School, Warfield, Mr Parker at Peacock Farm, and Mr Smith at Wyevale Garden Centre, both in Binfield.

The event was held at the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell, and welcomed about 35 apprentices to receive awards on Tuesday last week.

About 60 people turned up for the day, which included guest speaker, chef Paul Clerehugh, of The Crooked Billet in Henley on Thames, and the London Street Brasserie in Reading.

HIT, an apprentice training organisation, hosted the event for their apprentices across Berkshire, and Jill Whittaker, managing director, and John Hyde, executive chairman, presented the certificates. Specialising in the hospitality industry, all those who had completed their one year training, including BTECs and NCQs, gained a certificate.

Matt Bungay, HIT area manager for Berkshire, said: “We have apprentices working across a number of venues in Bracknell, we have lots working as cooks in schools. Some of our apprentices already have full time jobs with their employers.

“We even have an apprentice working at the Coppid Beech Hotel.

“There were a few people who came along to see what it was about, everybody really enjoyed the guest speaker, and he spoke about the benefits of apprenticeships, and how they can be good for the area and business.” National Apprentice Week ran from Monday to Friday last week..

Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk