Northamptonshire apprentices and T Level students celebrate at The Bedford College Group Apprenticeship & Business Awards 2026
Apprentices and T Level students from across Northamptonshire were celebrated [BG1.1]for their outstanding achievements at The Bedford College Group Apprenticeship and Business Awards 2026, held yesterday.
The awards ceremony, which brought together apprentices, students and employers from across Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, was held to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week. The event highlighted the dedication, resilience and ambition of students developing essential skills through apprenticeships and technical education.
The Northamptonshire winners showcase the high-quality provision delivered at Northamptonshire-based colleges within The Bedford College Group, including Tresham College, as well as apprentices studying through work-based learning routes. Their achievements reflect the strength of apprenticeship and T Level delivery across the county and the impact of strong partnerships with local 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 values underpin the Group’s commitment to supporting Northamptonshire students and preparing them for successful, sustainable 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 learners 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 Northamptonshire colleges 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 Northamptonshire winners are a credit to themselves, their employers and the colleges that support them.”
Northamptonshire Student Winners –
Electrical Installation Apprentice of the Year – Rodion Tolchenitsin – Tresham College
Engineering & Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year – Melissa Quitua – Tresham College
Childcare Apprentice of the Year – Daisy-Mae Guile – Tresham College
Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year – Vanessa Faraj – Tresham College
T Level Rising Star Award – Patryk Jagielski – Tresham College Corby
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