An Agricultural student at Bridgwater College has recently been named as Apprentice Champion of the Year at the Grow Somerset Talent Awards which were held at the Holiday Inn Express in Taunton.

Tom Heal was proud to receive two awards during the ceremony, which is run by Somerset Skills and Learning. He was first presented with the trophy for Advanced Apprentice of the Year, before being announced as Apprentice Champion of the Year for 2015.

Tom is studying the Foundation Degree in Agricultural Management at Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre whilst working on his parents’ farm since completing the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Agriculture (mixed farming).

He was nominated for the award by the College after working hard to complete his Apprenticeship in the shortest time possible. Tom has now been granted his own farm tenancy on a 180 acre farm, an incredible achievement at just 20 years old.

Geoff Miller, Associate Lecturer and Apprenticeship Assessor in Agriculture at Bridgwater College said,

“Tom was very overwhelmed and flattered to have been recognised for the hard work he put in to his Apprenticeship. Both Tom and his family were very thankful to all the staff who helped him along his journey. He was a credit to our Apprenticeship programme and the College are extremely proud of him.”