Apprentices and T Level students from across Bedfordshire were celebrated for their outstanding achievements at The Bedford College Group Apprenticeship and Business Awards 2026, last night.
The awards ceremony, which brought together apprentices, students and employers from across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, was held to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week. The evening highlighted the dedication, resilience and ambition of students developing vital skills through apprenticeships and technical education.
The Bedfordshire winners represent the breadth and quality of education delivered across The Bedford College Group’s Bedfordshire-based colleges, including Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Shuttleworth College, as well as apprentices studying through work-based learning routes. Their success reflects the strength of apprenticeship provision in the county and the impact of close collaboration between The Bedford College Group, students and employers.
The awards reflected the core values of The Bedford College Group, including Valuing Teamwork, Improving Continuously, Being Student-Centred, Embracing Inclusivity, Open & Caring Attitudes, and Nurturing Educational Excellence. These principles underpin the Group’s commitment to supporting Bedfordshire students and equipping them with the skills needed to progress into successful careers.
The event also paid tribute to the employers who play a pivotal role in the success of apprentices and T Level students across the region. Through their commitment to mentoring, training and investing time and resources, employers provide invaluable real-world experience that enables students to develop confidence, technical expertise and workplace-ready skills. Their continued collaboration with The Bedford College Group ensures that education remains closely aligned with industry needs, supporting both individual career progression and the wider economic growth of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
Yiannis Koursis OBE FRSA, CEO at The Bedford College Group, said: “The Bedford College Group Apprenticeship and Business Awards are a celebration of the exceptional talent, commitment and ambition demonstrated by our Bedfordshire students. While the awards recognise achievement across the wider region, we are incredibly proud of the apprentices and T Level students studying at our Bedfordshire colleges, across the Group and through our work-based programmes.
Held during National Apprenticeship Week, the event highlights the vital role that apprenticeships play in supporting local industries, strengthening the economy and creating real opportunities for students to thrive. Our Bedfordshire winners are a credit to themselves, their employers and the colleges that support them.”
Bedfordshire Student Winners:
Aviation Apprentice of the Year – Andrew Brown – Shuttleworth
Teaching Apprentice of the Year – Alice Short – Bedford College
Business Services Apprentice of the Year – Summer Clarke – Work-Based
T Level Student of the Year – Zara Miah – Bedford College
Construction Technical & Professional Apprentice of the Year – Christabel Adjei – Bedford College
Land-Based Apprentice of the Year – Rhidian Maltby – Shuttleworth College
Overall Apprentice of the Year – Summer Clarke – Work-Based
Construction Trades Apprentice of the Year – Billy Hornibrook – Bedford College
Plumbing Apprentice of the Year – Dylan Woodcock – Bedford College
Employer Winners:
Apprenticeship Champion Award – Bedford Hospital
Small Business Engagement Award – Hair and Beauty Lounge
T Level Employer of the Year for Industry Placements – Bedford Hospital
Community Impact Employer Award – Tata Steel UK
Sustainability in Skills Award – Maydencroft
T Level Employer of the Year for Outstanding Student Development Award – Tata Steel UK
Employer Diversity & Inclusion Award – Tayto Group Ltd
Workplace Mentor of the Year – Abbotswood Gardeners & Designers Ltd
Outstanding Employer Partnership Award – Kier Construction
Employer Excellence in Learner Progression Award – Innovation On-Site
For more information on apprenticeship opportunities visit The Bedford College Group website.
