TTE Technical Institute celebrates students’ achievements at awards event

A training organisation praised the talent and achievements of its learners during an annual awards event.

TTE Technical Institute held its Celebrating Success evening to champion the work of its students.

It also dedicated an award to the memory of retired process trainer assessor Steve Bellas.

With his family watching on, daughter Laura presented the inaugural Bellas Award for Science to Ethan Humble.

Teesside-based TTE described Ethan as an inspiration to his peers through his dedication, hard work, positivity and an ability to overcome challenges – exactly the type of student Laura’s father would have gone out of his way to support.

In his first year at TTE, the 17-year-old has completed a City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in process technology (chemical processes) and is among those learners selected to assist two international delegates from Tullow Oil, Kenya, by being part of the shift team required to complete operations on TTE’s pilot plant.

Held at Middlesbrough Theatre, those attending the event included students and their families, representatives from partner colleges, sponsoring employers, local and international industry and members of the North East business community.

The evening’s highest honour, the CEO Award, was presented to 17-year-old Chelsea Wood, who is currently aiming to secure a company sponsor.

Chelsea, from Middlesbrough, has completed a Level 3 Btec subsidiary diploma in engineering, and is currently undertaking her Level 3 Btec in electrical and electronic engineering.

She was honoured for her exceptional dedication, walking to TTE from her home during all weathers, as well as attending on her days off to ensure her work is completed to the highest standard, while her practical work is among the best in her year group.

A series of awards were also presented on the night to students training in mechanical and electrical disciplines, whose programmes are funded by Tyne Coast and Derwentside colleges.

TTE additionally recognised the achievements of several apprentices who are working and learning on-site alongside experienced technicians and engineers with their sponsoring employers.

Staff were also recognised during the ceremony.

The Vocational Instructor of the Year honour was awarded to Ken Appleby and Ron Knight; Academic Instructor of the Year was Jamie Hunter; Staff-nominated Employee of the Year was Dawn Hamill, office co-ordinator at TTE Peterlee; and Student-nominated Employee of the Year was Brian Jorgenson.

Steve Grant, chief executive, said: “TTE is very much a family and it is fitting that we come together to publicly honour the memory of Steve Bellas, who was a dedicated and very popular member of staff.

“We continue to reflect his dedication and the high standards he set by introducing this award in his name. I’m sure Steve would have considered Ethan a most deserving and worthy winner.”

Chelsea Wood, winner of the CEO Award, said: “I’m really very proud to have won this award and I’m grateful for all the opportunities provided by TTE Technical Institute, which will equip me with the technical skills necessary to secure a lifelong career in industry.

“It is not difficult to aspire to be the best you can when you’re surrounded by supportive and inspirational trainers and assessors, and I’d like to say a big thank you to them all for their continuing help and encouragement.”

TTE, founded in 1990, is a registered charity providing vocational technical training, including apprenticeships, for young people on Teesside.

It is also recognised for delivering training to technicians from international industry in the UK and around the world.

The surpluses from its commercial activities are re-invested in supporting the training of young people.