Earlier this month we hosted the annual City & Guilds Livery Company Prizes awards at Mansion House, home of the Lord Mayor, The Rt. Hon. Professor Michael Mainelli (Alderman).
Each year City of London Livery Companies award prizes to honour outstanding learners and tutors from across the UK, who have achieved or delivered City & Guilds qualifications. The City and Guilds of London Institute was founded by the Livery Companies in 1878 and therefore maintains a close link with them.
This year, we sourced a record amount of nominations and these were sent to the Livery Companies to choose their winners. They faced quite a challenging task indeed given the quality this year. Congratulations to the winners that were identified by the Livery Companies. More information about them all below:
The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths winner, Sophie Chapman
Sophie Chapman completed the Goldsmiths’ Centre Foundation Programme with a Distinction and became Asprey London’s first female silversmithing apprentice in 2019. Throughout her four-year apprenticeship, she won numerous Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council awards for her work in chasing, enamelling, model making, and small work.
The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers winner, Brenda Killigrew
Brenda Killigrew is a skilled craftswoman and inspiring teacher with expertise spanning the fashion sector. Twenty-five years ago, she established her own City & Guilds centre, offering courses in various fashion disciplines, resulting in numerous medal-winning students and opportunities for competitions and exhibitions through her industry contacts.
The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers winner, Rebecca Humphreys-Williams
Rebecca researched and evaluated language provision in nursery and identified the need to increase the use of Makaton to support children with speech language and communication needs. By using non-verbal communication in the form of Makaton alongside verbal communication in both Welsh and English, Rebecca is able to have a positive impact on the development of the children.
The Worshipful Company of Carpenters winner, Arthur Campbell
In 2022, Arthur joined the Furniture Design and Making course at the Building Crafts College, demonstrating focus and drive carried over from previous ventures. He diligently produced work to an excellent standard and actively promoted skills through outreach and exhibition events at the college.
The Worshipful Company of Masons winner, Paul Maggs
Paul started his career in the 1970s with a craft masonry apprenticeship, finishing the advanced craft examination in 1977. He later transitioned to teaching and assessing, focusing on inspiring future stonemasonry professionals.
The Worshipful Company of Cooks winner, Paul Carne
Paul Carne leads the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College, offering enrichment trips and facilitating work placements for learners. With eight years of experience, he is known for his sector-leading success rates, retention, and support in helping students secure employment.
The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers winner, Fred Nyberg
Fred’s journey in bench joinery has been marked by excellence and a commitment to showcasing skills on both regional and international stages. Fred has represented his region in two World Skills competitions and these demand not only technical expertise but also adaptability under pressure and a broad perspective on bench joinery.
The Worshipful Company of Broderers winner, Laura Graham
Over the two years, Laura developed her own style and working processes, creating work which has depth to it as well as instant appeal. She has experimented with non-traditional fabrics to create ghost-like layers which add texture, depth and a richness to the piece.
The Worshipful Company of Needlemakers winner, Bridie Hardaker
Bridie’s dexterity on the machines and attention to detail set her apart from her peers. She won the prestigious William Cooke Memorial Award, which is given to the learner who has displayed both engineering talent and a passion for teamwork.
The Worshipful Company of Gardeners winner, Charlotte Cole
Charlotte completed her Level 3 course in June 2023 with Distinctions. During her studies she excelled both practically and theoretically, aiming high throughout and devoting time to studying in addition to working part time at a local Garden Centre and at Exbury Gardens.
The Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers winner, Jack Ovington
Jack scored the highest grade across the college during the first year of his T-Level course and is on track to do the same in the second year. As part of his T-Level course, Jack completed over 300 hours industrial work placement at Intelect, a local Electrical Engineering company where he excelled.
The Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants winner, Holly Sharpe
Holly is energetic, curious and keen to learn, treating every day as an opportunity to grow. She has successfully translated good leadership and customer service into orders and sales and supported her team in doing the same.
The day was a huge success, and it was truly wonderful to be surrounded by students and tutors who have accomplished remarkable achievements! Inspirational!
On behalf of City & Guilds we would like to congratulate each and every winner. To be recognised for all your efforts was thoroughly deserved and it was an absolute honour to be a part of your day. As said by our CEO, Kirstie Donnelly MBE at the ceremony:
“City & Guilds is privileged to play a part in this, not least because we wholly believe skills change lives. To everyone who has either received a prize, a certificate or other recognition, congratulations – very well deserved!”.
To find out more about Livery companies please refer to this guide.