Newbury College and University Centre Newbury (UCN) proudly celebrated the achievements of its Higher Education students and apprentices at the 2025 UCN Expo and Apprenticeship Awards, held at the Monks Lane campus.
This year’s event welcomed esteemed guests including the Deputy Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Sarah Slack, the Mayor of Thatcham, Cllr Petra Pemberton, and Thatcham Town Council’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mark Lillycrop. Employers, tutors, Development Coaches, and support teams gathered to recognise the hard work and dedication of students making a real impact in their industries.
The Expo provided the opportunity for UCN students to showcase innovative and career-focused projects, demonstrating the practical application of skills in Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Electrical Engineering, as well as Leadership and Management, Sport, and the Foundation Degree in Children’s Learning and Development. These projects reflected the values of UCN, ensuring education translates directly into real-world success.
The awards ceremony acknowledged outstanding individuals and projects, with recognition spanning the breadth of UCN’s academic disciplines. As part of the recognition and celebration, we were pleased to award the winners from National Apprenticeship Week earlier this year.
Warren Page, Apprenticeship Manager at Xtrac Ltd, who retires at the end of the summer, was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Apprenticeship Advocate Award. A passionate champion of apprenticeships, Warren has played a pivotal role in transforming apprenticeship delivery both locally and nationally. His recognition highlights the deep and enduring impact that dedicated industry leaders can have on developing skills and opportunities for future generations.
Jo Houghton, Vice Principal - HE & Skills, praised the collaboration between UCN and local businesses:
“Our students are already driving change within the workplace and shaping the future of local industry. The Expo and Awards reflect not just individual success but our collective commitment to careers, not courses. None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of employers like those attending today, who continue to invest their time and expertise in developing local talent.”
Following the awards, guests were invited to enjoy a buffet prepared and served by Catering students in the College’s on‑site restaurant, providing a further opportunity to celebrate student talent.
UCN Award Winners
| Categories | Winners |
| Best Project - Engineering Masters | Adam Rimmer |
| Best Project - BEng (Hons) Engineering Design Degree | Thomas Ingman |
| Best Project - HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering | Kelsey Zaman |
| Best Project - HND Electrical & Electronic Engineering | Jed Hoskins |
| Best Project - HNC Manufacturing Engineering | Benjamen Almond |
| Best Project - HND Manufacturing Engineering | Harry Nutman |
| Best Project - HND Mechanical Engineering | Hollie Cook |
| Best Project - HNC Mechanical Engineering | Thomas Hawkins |
| Special Recognition - HNC Embedded Electrical & Electronics | Desmond Bloemers |
| Best Dissertation - Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship | GG Basterfield |
| Best Academic Journey - Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship | Khushi Ashwin |
| Student of the Year - HNC Community Coaching for England | Anya Matthewson |
| Student of the Year - HND Sport & Exercise Science | George Rushton |
| Best Dissertation - Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning | Rebekah O’ Brien |
Apprentices Award Winners
| Categories | Winners |
| Best Apprentice - Engineering | Teagan Kell |
| Best Apprentice - Business | Christine O'Bey |
| Best Apprentice - Finance | Zoe Atkins |
| Best Apprentice - Motor Vehicle | Kodi Page |
| Best Apprentice - Carpentry | Reece Newman |
| Best Apprentice - Plumbing | Samuel Poulter |
| Best Apprentice - Electrical | Harry Gillham |
| Best Degree Apprentice | Tom Aram |
Apprenticeships - Employer Recognition Award Winners
| Categories | Winners |
| Employer Award Engineering | Xtrac |
| Employer Award Electrical Installation | Equinix |
| Employer Award Motor Vehicle | PR Motors |
| Best Mentor | Tracey Magnus |
| Best Development Coach | Sophie Money |
| Best Tutor | Jude Buckell |
| Lifetime Apprenticeship Advocate Award | Warren Page |
University Centre Newbury continues to strengthen its partnerships with industry to provide accessible, high‑quality education that transforms lives and meets the evolving needs of the regional economy.
To find out more about UCN and the opportunities available, visit ucn.ac.uk.