South Hampshire College Group is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with major national recognition alongside a series of awards honouring outstanding apprentices and employer partners across the region.
The College Group has been shortlisted as a finalist in two categories at the prestigious National Apprenticeship Guide Awards: Best Apprenticeship for Hair and Beauty and Best Apprenticeship for Automotive. These nominations reflect the depth, quality and impact of the Group’s Levels 2 and 3 Hair and Beauty apprenticeships and its Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprenticeship.
Alongside this national recognition, the College Group’s apprenticeship team have presented a range of internal awards to apprentices and employers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their training and workplace development.
Award winners included:
- Professional Services Apprentice of the Year – William Relf
- Engineering Apprentice of the Year – Katie Cumming
- Construction Apprentice of the Year – Martyn Nicholas
- Rising Star Award – Brandon Engert
- Employer of the Year – STS Defence
Katie Cumming, Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Apprentice and winner of the Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award, commented: “I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to someone else, especially if theory learning isn’t always your favourite subject. I really benefited from learning the hand skills as it made the theory make a lot more sense. The support from CEMAST (Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Technology) was brilliant, especially my coach Hannah, who has been so helpful.”
Bethany Challoner, Director of Apprenticeships and Business Engagement at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have been shortlisted as finalists for both the Motor Vehicle and Hair Apprenticeship Awards at the Apprenticeship Guide Awards. This recognition highlights the high standard of training we provide and the commitment, skill, and ambition of our apprentices and staff.”
The Apprenticeship Guide Awards ceremony will take place on 30 April 2026 in Leeds. To learn more about the awards, please click here.
