BURY enjoyed a hat-trick of successes at Alliance Learning’s 21st annual awards event.

Greenmount man Ian Chadderton took the coveted accolade, the Alliance Learning Employee of the Year award, while there were also local winners in two other categories.

Alliance Learning, one of the North West’s largest independent training providers, recognised the outstanding achievements of apprentices and business course learners across the board.

Hosted by its chief executive Steve Whitehead, the event took place at the Lostock head office of sponsors MBDA UK. Alliance Learning, whose head office is in Horwich, has more than 500 apprentices and other learners on their training programmes.

The evening was one to remember for Ian Chadderton who has been described by his Alliance Learning colleagues as a “helpful, courteous and a supportive member of the team, always willing to go the extra mile.”

Mr Whitehead said Ian was “an exemplary role model” who was retiring at the end of the year after 20 years with the company.

The Fabrication and Welding award was won 25-year-old Jason Boardman, a structural steel fabricator at Bury-based William Hare Ltd. He has completed his apprenticeship in performing engineering operations and is currently working towards his advanced apprenticeship.

There was joy too for 16-year-old Conor Walker, from Radcliffe’s Riverside High School, who received the Engineering Academy Learner of the Year award.

The Alliance Learning Academies are part of a continuing partnership with a number of schools, and pupils have the opportunity to gain an engineering NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) level two.

Conor has recently completed his NVQ level two in performing engineering operations.

Mr Whitehead commented: “We are extremely proud of the contribution that Alliance Learning has made to the development of skills across Greater Manchester and Lancashire area over the past 45 years. “As a charity, we provide training that meets the needs of learners and employers. With our dedicated team, we will continue to support the employers and individuals to develop the skills and attributes needed to succeed.”