Staff celebrated with long-service awards at York College End-of-Year Christmas Presentation

This Yuletide that included recognising six employees who have all achieved the impressive milestone of 25 years as part of our wonderful team.

Marking a quarter-of-a-century at College were Head of Construction Ashley Stokes; Hair & Beauty tutor Sally Dawson; Schools Liaison & Marketing Officer Helen Simpson; Finance Manager Chris Courtine; Catering Assistant Alison Raven and IT Services Team Leader Chris Greenfield.

Making the presentations in Café 1827, York College & University Centre Acting Chief Executive and Principal Ken Merry reflected on a year that has witnessed record recruitment levels for 16 to 18-year-olds, Chartered Institution for Further Education status, a “Good” Ofsted inspection and students winning national awards.

He went on to look forward to 2024 when work will continue on our Curriculum Review and Brilliance Plan, adding: “There’s a real buzz around the college and it’s a fantastic place to be around at the moment.”

The following employees were also thanked for their long service and rewarded with vouchers from a variety of different retailers, a certificate and a lanyard badge:

20 years

Ian Clemit, Anna Lewis, Rob Parker, Francesca Vicari and Fiona Clark

15 years

Jim McMahon, Julie Murgatroyd, Sally Warrington, Vicky Watson, John Halder, Vicky Joyce, Nick Hill and Gordon Medd

10 Years

Emma Whiting, Joanna Ableson, Emmi Thornton-Crowley, Stuart Dalton, Sandra Yates, Gemma O’Connor, Claire Grayson, Anne Parkinson and Kelly Rix.

Three members of staff who are leaving us – Zoe Cheeseman, Alison Giles and Calum Hearshorne – were also thanked for their contributions to College.

Finally, we’d like to say a big thank you to all of our staff for their hard work during 2023 and hope you enjoy a very well-earned Christmas break!