Double Delight as Chichester College Talent Earns Prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Recognition

Chichester College is celebrating a double awards success after a former apprentice and its Creative Industries team both received nominations at the Portsmouth & Chichester Apprenticeship Awards.  

Bliss Abbott received a nomination in the Higher Apprentice award, in recognition of her hard work and determination while studying at the college.  

She was joined by the college’s Creative Industries team, which received a nomination for the ‘Training Provider / Programme’ award, recognising their commitment to developing industry-ready talent and creating a high-quality learning environment.  

The annual awards celebrate apprentices’ achievements at each stage of their journey, as well as the organisations that invest in their skills, development and long-term career opportunities.  

Bliss joined the college in 2024 as an apprentice through her employer, Hopscotch Day Nurseries, studying for a Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management. She successfully completed the qualification earlier this year. Reflecting on her nomination, she said: 

“It feels incredibly special and, if I’m honest, a little surreal! I’ve been with Hopscotch for nearly 20 years, having started as an apprentice and worked my way through a number of different roles before becoming Head of People & Training.  

“To be recognised for something that I genuinely love doing means a huge amount. I’m incredibly proud of how much we have grown as a company and of the opportunities we continue to create for people to develop their careers within Early Years.”  

She also went on to thank some people who have helped her on her journey, saying:  
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had people throughout my career who have believed in me, challenged me and given me opportunities to develop.  

“A huge thank you has to go to my line manager and director, Freya and all of the wider Hopscotch team. So much of what I do is only possible because of the people around me – particularly my People & Training team, our managers and all of our teams across the nurseries.  

“I’m also passionate about developing people and creating opportunities for others because I was given those opportunities myself.” 

Helen Loftus, Principal of Chichester College, added:  
“We are incredibly proud to see both Bliss and our Creative Industries team recognised through these prestigious award nominations.  

“Bliss’s dedication and commitment have been outstanding throughout her apprenticeship journey, while the team’s passion for delivering high quality training continues to make a real difference to learners and employers alike. We wish them the very best for the awards ceremony.” 

To find out more about the apprenticeships offered at Chichester College, please click here.