The best young apprentices were honoured at Bristol's first ever Apprenticeship of the Year Awards at the Colston Hall last night.

The evening recognised the work of apprentices and employers in 10 categories such as beauty therapy and motor vehicles.

A Mayor's Award for Excellence was presented by Lord Mayor Christopher Davies to trainee quantity surveyor Sara Clements, 22, from Ashton.

Mr Davies said: "I am delighted so many young people recognise the importance of training and the value of apprenticeship – of becoming highly skilled in whatever profession you choose to follow."

Master of ceremonies for the event, Evening Post deputy editor Rob Stokes, said Sara's success was a shining example of how apprenticeship schemes could help young people develop their skills in a way that suited them.

Sara didn't enjoy school but since joining the City of Bristol College scheme four years ago, her career has gone from strength to strength.

She has been taken on by one of the college's most respected employers, J&F Seddons, as a trainee quantity surveyor and is studying for a level 4 NVQ in the profession.

She said: "I really enjoy it. The support I have had from the college has been brilliant."

Some 360 people completed apprenticeships at the college this year.

Other category winners included 18-year-old hairdressing apprentice Carl Bembridge, from Speedwell, and beauty apprentice, Fay Coombs, 19.

Carl, who works at Cohesion hair and beauty salon in Redfield, has already achieved his NVQ level 2 qualification and is working towards level 3.

He said: "I'm glad I'm doing an apprenticeship. I'm learning in two different atmospheres – at college and at the salon, I'm learning all the time."

Fay, from Kingswood, began her apprenticeship with The Beauty Spot in Staple Hill in 2006 and completed her NVQ level 2 in beauty therapy and holistic therapy before moving on to study for level 3.

Charlotte Wyatt, 19, from Brislington, who works at Bristol University, was named Business Administration Apprentice of the Year.

She said: "Everyone has been really supportive."

Apprentice Carpenter of the Year was Bill Osborne, 19, who achieved an advanced construction award and NVQ level 3 despite surgery on his arm.

He said: "I working with my hands and making things. It's what I've always wanted to do."

James Moss, 22, from Whitchurch, broke a leg playing rugby during his third year and needed treatment for 10 months but went on to achieve NVQ level 3 and was named Electrical Installation Apprentice of the Year.

Gaspare Gravanti, 19, from Withywood, was the Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year.

He said: "My mentor was Ian Green. He was so helpful, more like a friend."

Trainee chef Oliver Ford, 17, from Bath, who works at the Lucknam Park Hotel, Bath, was the best professional cookery apprentice.

Ryan Cozens was the Plumbing Apprentice of the Year, Carl Slocombe was named the Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year and the best apprentice engineer was Steven Bush who works at Bristol University.

Tim Campbell, who beat other TV contestants to become Sir Alan Sugar's first apprentice and runs the Bright Ideas Trust to help people start their own businesses, presented awards and gave an inspirational talk. He said: "The beauty of an apprenticeship is that it gives young people on and off the job training. You get support from the employer, real tangible skills and a bit of money in your pocket.

"What we can do with apprenticeships is to open the minds of young people to what's actually possible."

College principal Keith Elliott said: "I am extremely pleased and proud of all of the apprentices who received awards.

"Equally important is the support of the region's businesses and I would like to thank them all for their commitment and contribution."

Mr Elliott also announced the launch of an Apprenticeship and Skills Academy at the college.

He said: "It will offer more than 3,000 young people hands-on practical experience in the workplace and at college and it formally recognises the investment and focus we are placing on practical skills development."

Ten employers received awards for their commitment to apprentices. They were: Beauty therapy, The Beauty Spot; Business Administration, University of Bristol; Carpentry, Hall Bros; Painting and Decorating, Alfred Bagnall (West); Plumbing, MG Plumbing; Electrical Installation, Bridges Electrical; Engineering, Abbeywood; Hairdressing, Cohesion; Motor Vehicle, AD Jones; Professional Cookery, Tinto Lounge.

Firms interested in apprenticeships should call City of Bristol College on 0117 312 5020 or visit www.pib.cityofbristol.ac.uk.