A WESTON College apprentice brewer saw his own bottled bitter served at an awards evening to honour apprentices and businesses.
Dean Masters, aged 19, scooped entrepreneur of the year at the college’s Excellence in Business Training Awards at the Winter Gardens.
Dean, who works for Masters Brewery in Wellington, was also highly commended in the hospitality learner of the year category for his creative skills.
He said: “It’s fantastic to win the awards and see my specially-brewed bitter served up.
“I’ve also made a Hawaiian Dwarf beer brewed with fresh mangoes plus a locally-sourced mint and Chocolate Imperial Stout.”
Employer of the Year was awarded to Broad Street Hair, who also took hair and beauty employer of the year.
Director Wayne Hill who set up the company with sister, Tracy Taylor, has six branches in North Somerset and is set to expand.
John Kennedy took Achieving Above All The Odds Award.
The 45-year-old was addicted to drugs and alcohol from the age of 14 and only learned to read and write when he was 29.
He has now been clean for eight years and supports people with addiction at Weston’s Broadway Lodge centre.
He said: “I am very happy with my life now. For so many years I just took, now I spend my time giving and it’s very rewarding.”
The UK Apprentice of the Year, Emma Rogers, of Cheddar, also took the Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award.
The 20-year-old mum-of-one won Gold for Great Britain at WorldSkills competitions and has her own beauty business in Wedmore.
Weston College principal, Dr Paul Phillips, said: “The past 12 months have proved exceptional for us despite the challenging economic climate.
“We place great emphasis on partnerships with businesses, funding agencies, North Somerset Council and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, partner schools and universities.”
College staff also stated there are more than 50 apprenticeship programmes and 90 per cent go on to become permanent employees.
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