At Newbury College and University Centre Newbury (UCN) we have celebrated another successful year of apprenticeships with our annual Apprenticeship Awards, recognising the people and businesses powering skills and careers across the community during National Apprenticeship Week (09–15 February 2026).
To mark the week, we shared a series of engaging videos on social media, showcasing success stories from apprentices and employers, including St Gabriel’s Nursery, Westek Technology, Newbury College and Newbury Business Improvement District (BID). The series also featured insights from Apprentice Development Coach, Jude Buckell, highlighting how high-quality support helps apprentices to thrive.
The 2026 Apprenticeship Award winners were revealed at 12:00 on Friday 13 February in a live-streamed celebration. Viewers were welcomed by Newbury College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Lee Probert, before Liam Faughnan, Head of Faculty – Apprenticeships, announced the winners in each category.
The winners are:
Crown Lift Trucks Crown Lift Trucks is a highly supportive employer that takes great pride in developing its apprentices. They work closely with the Newbury College apprenticeship team to ensure every learner is enrolled on the most suitable programme. Throughout the journey, apprentices benefit from consistent guidance, practical support, and encouragement. This approach enables them to build strong skills, gain confidence, and achieve success in their roles and future careers. EcoMech Plumbing and Heating EcoMech Plumbing and Heating stands out as an employer that puts people first, creating a workplace where the team feels supported and valued. The company takes pride in nurturing talent from within, with experienced engineers investing time to teach and guide the next generation. This ensures apprentices gain meaningful, hands-on experience rather than being left on the sidelines. This positive culture means people enjoy coming to work and feel proud to represent EcoMech. St John the Evangelist Infant and Nursery School St John the Evangelist Infant and Nursery School takes a whole-team approach to supporting apprentices, proactively putting tailored support and meaningful learning opportunities in place. They provide a positive, nurturing environment while offering honest insight into the day-to-day realities of the setting. This balance enables apprentices to gain a well-rounded, high-quality learning experience that enhances and complements their college-based learning. Quantum Design Oxford Quantum Design Oxford is an excellent employer, providing strong support for apprentices and working closely with the apprenticeship team to ensure effective enrolment. Throughout the apprenticeship, they offer consistent guidance, encouragement, and meaningful development opportunities. These efforts help apprentices build skills and confidence, allowing them to succeed in their roles and progress positively into their future careers. Long Lane Garage The Long Lane Garage team has demonstrated outstanding support by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment and maintaining excellent communication with the college. They ensure apprentices feel fully integrated from the outset, offering regular guidance and practical support with daily tasks. This consistent approach builds confidence, strengthens workplace skills, and enables apprentices to make steady progress throughout their programme. Andrew Buckingham (Nustream) Andrew has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment and professionalism throughout his apprenticeship. Since joining Nustream in October 2025, he has shown a strong willingness to learn, rapidly developing technical knowledge and applying it confidently. Andrew brings enthusiasm and an excellent work ethic to the role, demonstrating maturity beyond his experience. His curiosity and drive to improve have made him a valued team member who consistently goes the extra mile. Luke Stevens (Rocking Horse Day Nursery) Luke is an extremely hard-working individual who has gone from strength to strength since embarking on his Level 3 in childcare. He has used the course to support his reflective practice, which is evident daily in the setting. Luke is well loved by the children, families, and his peers, and he serves as an absolute role model for any apprentice taking part in this qualification. Kirsty Roff (Crown Lift Trucks) Kirsty has shown a terrific attitude from day one of her Level 2 Accounting Apprenticeship. In the workplace, she is inquisitive and eager to learn independently, which has helped her build a strong foundation in finance. She managed a transition into a new role brilliantly, embracing the challenge with a cheerful, kind manner. Kirsty’s portfolio work is consistently of a high standard, and she makes the most of every opportunity for professional development. Aaron Sedman (University of Oxford) Aaron is an invaluable support who is always willing to help others. He enjoys sharing his skills and has a talent for explaining complex ideas in clear terms. Aaron naturally steps into a leadership role, currently leading a team project to design a hotel room. As an experienced electrician, he takes the lead on electrical work and provides significant support, even assisting during lectures for other engineering students. Curtysha Gaskin (Equinix) Curtysha stands out through her strong commitment to developing her skills and her reliability in day-to-day operations. She is successfully completing her NVQ while consistently carrying out water testing work to a high standard, demonstrating both technical competence and attention to detail. Additionally, she plays an active role in compliance-related tasks, showing a clear understanding of regulatory responsibilities. Her ability to balance learning with practical application makes her a valuable team member. Kane French (Southern Maintenance Solutions) Kane showed real initiative by emailing the company to enquire about opportunities, leading to his apprenticeship offer. He remains on track to finish within the required timeframe, having demonstrated the dedication needed to complete his coursework and portfolio. Since joining the company, his confidence and knowledge have grown significantly, and this is clearly reflected in the high quality of his day-to-day work. Freddie Anderton (PR Motors) Freddie has demonstrated strong commitment to his apprenticeship programme and consistently completes tasks on time. He shows great respect for colleagues and actively develops practical knowledge in the workplace, particularly when working on vehicles scheduled for service. Freddie also has a solid understanding of how the motor vehicle industry operates and is always willing to share his knowledge with fellow students. Joshua Jones (Entec Sound & Light) Joshua exemplifies the spirit of an outstanding apprentice through his commitment to personal and professional growth. He takes a proactive approach to applying new skills to real-world projects, adding clear value to the team. Joshua also shares his learning with others, supporting colleagues by explaining concepts and building confidence. His success is underpinned by resilience and determination, flourishing as a mature student in a vocational environment that recognises his curiosity and work ethic." Krzysztof Swierkot (University of Oxford) Krzysztof is recognised for consistently going above and beyond through his professionalism and positive impact. He actively sources high-quality learning resources to enhance skills development for all apprentices. Uniquely, he is also undertaking a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship himself, enabling him to share up-to-date knowledge and relate to those with less experience. He manages his time exceptionally well, balancing mentoring with operational demands, while maintaining an outstanding standard of work and clear communication. Julie Dodd from Newbury College Julie stands out as an exceptional development coach for her unwavering support throughout the apprenticeship journey. She consistently offers encouragement and clear guidance, helping learners overcome challenges and build confidence. Julie guides apprentices seamlessly through the process and responds quickly to queries, providing reassurance to everyone involved. Her exceptional attention to detail when reviewing work ensures high standards and gives apprentices the confidence that they are submitting their very best. Jude Buckell (Newbury College) Jude has been an outstanding tutor, providing consistent guidance and support with every assignment. She explains tasks clearly, breaks down expectations into manageable steps, and gives helpful feedback that facilitates improvement. Jude is approachable, patient, and encouraging, always making learners feel at ease. She creates a positive learning environment where confidence can grow. Her support has made a real difference to the development and motivation of her apprentices.
Liam Faughnan, Head of Faculty – Apprenticeships, said:
“Our Apprenticeship Awards are all about celebrating the real impact apprenticeships have on people’s lives and on local businesses. Every nominee has shown dedication, resilience and a real commitment to developing Skills for Life. As a college focused on careers, not courses, we are incredibly proud of the way our apprentices and employers are working together to create opportunities to transform lives.”
Apprenticeship programmes at Newbury College and UCN are developed in partnership with employers to meet the needs of the local economy. Apprentices learn in the workplace and in specialist college facilities, gaining the technical skills, behaviours and experience needed to progress in their chosen career.
To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities with Newbury College and UCN, visit newbury-college.ac.uk/apprenticeships.