South Hampshire College Group and two of its apprentices have been shortlisted for the 2025 Portsmouth and Chichester Apprenticeship Awards.
South Hampshire College Group, comprised of Eastleigh College, Fareham College and Southampton College, is a finalist in the Best Training Provider category in recognition of its accomplishments over the past 12 months, including a substantial increase in apprenticeship achievement rates, a rise in Merit and Distinction EPA outcomes and significant improvements to its overall apprenticeship program, as formally recognised in the South Hampshire College Group Spring Ofsted review.
Summer-Louise Risbey, a Marine apprentice at South Hampshire College Group, is a finalist in the Advanced Apprentice category. Her high-quality work with her employer PB Asher, which has taken her to projects across Europe, as well as her consistently strong academic performance – always within the top 5% of her class – and innovative solutions to assignments have earned her this nomination. She also won the Southampton College 2025 Apprentice of the Year Award.
Katie Cumming, an Engineering apprentice at South Hampshire College Group, is a finalist in the Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice category. She completed a three-year apprenticeship in just two years, earning multiple Distinctions and winning Fareham College’s 2025 Apprentice of the Year award. Despite having a junior role, she has led on key projects with her employer STS Defence and has championed women in STEM and engineering careers at outreach events.
Pete Joddrell, Deputy Chief Executive and Group Principal of South Hampshire College Group, commented: “Each year exceptional work is carried out across our apprenticeship provision, and to be named as finalists in the Portsmouth and Chichester Apprenticeship Awards is a well-deserved recognition of those achievements. To see both our apprentices and our College Group acknowledged makes this an especially proud and meaningful occasion. We look forward to cheering on our outstanding finalists on October 23rd.”
Bethany Challoner, Director of Apprenticeships at South Hampshire College Group, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named finalists in not just one, but three categories. It’s a fantastic recognition of our commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes and the hard work of our staff, students, and employer partners.”
The Portsmouth and Chichester Apprenticeship Awards, formerly known as The News and Observer Apprenticeship Awards, are now in their third year of championing individuals and organisations in the apprenticeship sector. These annual awards celebrate dedication, attitude and accomplishment, with fourteen categories highlighting the impressive depth and breadth of the local apprenticeship landscape. The formal ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday 23 October 2025, with attendees treated to a drinks reception and three-course meal, followed by the full awards presentation and photographs.
To see a full list of finalists, please click here.
