The awards, recently hosted at the Brighton Hilton Metropole, celebrate the vocational training achievements of individuals, colleges, employers and employees. Andy's assessor at City College, Angie Griffiths, said: "Prior to being taken on as an apprentice chef, Andy came to us as a self-confessed reformed alcoholic who had previously worked in the construction industry. His marriage had broken down due to his drinking and he now realised that he needed to knuckle down and get a career. His reading and writing had suffered and he was desperate to make up for this. "When we first met him, he felt under pressure to keep up with his colleagues but with a few one-to-one sessions we got to know Andy and realised that small bits of information and lots of praise was the best way to help him." Andy Simmons said the win was an honour: "I was overwhelmed to win the award. Until I attended the awards ceremony, I didn't realise how many colleges and outstanding students were involved so I was really honoured to be part of it all. The award has already made a positive impact on my life not just in terms of personal pride but also through the opportunities that are now being offered to me in the catering industry." Griffiths added: "Andy has become a much-liked, respected and hard-working member of the Las Iguanas team which reaffirms that taking him on as an apprentice was an excellent move for the restaurant. When you see the pride that Andy takes in his work and how his self-esteem, confidence and sense of purpose has flourished within the Apprenticeship framework, it is a genuine 'feel good' story of someone who has beaten their demons and turned their life around."