Companies and individuals – including a teaching assistant from Bignold Primary School in Norwich city centre – have been praised at City College Norwich's annual Vocational Qualifications (VQ) awards.

The award ceremony was held at The Forum yesterday to mark VQ Day, a day that celebrates people across the UK who gain vocational qualifications every year.

Dick Palmer, principal at City College Norwich, said: 'VQ Day provides an opportunity to celebrate vocational qualifications and to thank the many employers who work with City College Norwich to support vocational success. Employers play a vital role in developing the skills of their current employees and the workforce of tomorrow, and we are delighted to be celebrating this contribution today.'

Julie Formoy, a teaching assistant at Bignold Primary School, won the Learning in the Workplace Champion prize, while Evening News publisher Archant Norfolk was presented with the Higher Level Skills award in recognition of the support provided to journalism foundation degree students and apprentices.

The College's Employer Partnerships Team praised the company's 'superb support' to students as the college's work placement co-ordinator Libby Aitchison presented the award to Archant Norfolk's commercial director Chris Moore and Adam Cole, Local Search24 web administration coordinator.

The award was one of seven to be given out as the college acknowledged the contributions made by local employers and celebrated individual achievements. Lintott Control Systems, of Norwich, won the Support for Apprenticeships Award; Norwich Day Services won the Education-Business Links Award; Daniels Plumbers Ltd, of East Carleton, won the Skills for Life and Work Award; and Zig Zag hair salon in Long Stratton won the Small Businesses Commitment to Learning Award; and 18-year-old Jack Clifton from Downham Market won the Apprentice of the Year for his work at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Have you received an award for your work? Call Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk