Wiltshire College & University Centre is proud to celebrate the achievements of students, apprentices and employers recognised at this year’s Apprenticeship & Work Placement Awards, held as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond – demonstrating commitment, resilience and professionalism, and showing the real impact apprenticeships and work placements can have on lives, careers and communities.
From employers creating outstanding learning environments to apprentices overcoming personal challenges and achieving exceptional results, this year’s winners reflect the strength and diversity of apprenticeship opportunities across the College.
Our Employer winners
Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
Avonside Engineering
Recognised for stepping up their apprenticeship offer, taking on new apprentices and fostering a strong culture of mentoring and hands-on learning.
Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
Castle Carpentry & Building Contractors
Celebrated for their outstanding commitment to developing the next generation of skilled carpenters through varied projects, strong mentoring and a focus on quality, safety and professionalism.
Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
DSTL
Recognised for exceptional apprenticeship and T Level support across engineering and other disciplines, with a strong focus on mentoring, inclusion and high-quality learning experiences.
“Receiving this award is a great reflection of the collaborative approach to apprenticeships that exists between DSTL and WCUC. It has been a pleasure to explore new ways of working together this last year.”
Work Placement Employer of the Year
Wiltshire Council
Celebrated for their outstanding support of T Level industry placements, offering structured, high-quality experiences across multiple departments and helping students become workplace-ready.
Our Apprentice award winners
Accounting Apprentice of the Year
Caitlin Johnstone
Recognised for progressing from Level 3 to Level 4 with outstanding dedication, resilience and exam success.
“This career pivot has taught me the importance of adaptability, flexibility and patience. I am honoured to be accepting this award and would like to express my gratitude to the people who have supported me along the way.”
Agriculture Apprentice of the Year
Peighton Robertson
Recognised for remarkable progress, confidence-building and outstanding success in competitive livestock handling.
“Winning this award means a lot to me. I had such a good work placement that cared for me and supported me. My work placement and the College have helped me with my confidence and my decision making abilities.”
Carpentry Apprentice of the Year
Ollie Savage
Recognised for outstanding commitment, professionalism and a strong work ethic throughout his apprenticeship.
“This award is special to me as I feel as though all the hard work I have put in has finally paid off. I feel very proud of myself and all that I have achieved throughout the programme. I’m now ready to see what the future brings.”
Business Operations Apprentice of the Year
Danielle Blake
Recognised for exceptional resilience and academic excellence during her Level 5 apprenticeship, achieving a Distinction and growing in confidence as a leader.
“The support and guidance given by my employer and by my tutor meant that I was able to gain the skills and knowledge needed to help me feel confident at work and find my role in being part of the leadership team at the RISE trust.”
Customer Service Apprentice of the Year
Emily Coliandris
Celebrated for achieving a Distinction and progressing into a Customer Support Manager role.
“Apprenticeships are a great way to learn and grow skills. I am so glad I was able to learn and progress in my career within Customer Services”
Engineering Apprentice of the Year
Joseph Collins
Celebrated for achieving Distinction grades across all units and becoming the College’s first apprentice to complete the new Engineering Machinist standard.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed completing my programme and it means a lot to me to receive this award. I would like to thank all of the engineering and assessor staff at the College for all of their hard work across the two years.”
Groundworks Apprentice of the Year
Alfie West
Recognised for resilience, determination and achieving a Distinction despite significant travel and employment challenges.
“Thank you to everyone that has helped me through my apprenticeship, both at work and college. A big thank you to Marcus for the work and the knowledge I have learnt. This award means a lot and shows the hard work has finally paid off.”
Work Experience Student of the Year
Michelle Stone
Unfortunately Michelle could not celebrate with us at the ceremony but her employer from Our House collected her award on her behalf. Michelle was being celebrated for resilience, confidence-building and achieving a Distinction while progressing to manage her own client column at the salon.
“Winning this award highlights the hard work and commitment I’ve shown throughout my apprenticeship.”
Health Care Apprentice of the Year
Linda Newman
Recognised for extraordinary resilience, completing her apprenticeship while working full-time and overcoming significant personal challenges.
““I feel very privileged to win this award. I would like to thank my assessor Amy Collins for her patience and kindness throughout the course and my work mentor Dawn Dobson for her support and encouragement to keep going. To win this award at my age means a great deal to me.”
Hospitality Apprentice of the Year
Bogdan Soporan
Recognised for dedication, enthusiasm and care throughout his production chef apprenticeship, alongside completing maths and English.
“Winning this Apprenticeship Award is my first amazing achievement. It gives me the chance to highlight what I have achieved and opens the doors to some amazing future opportunities and personal development.”
Information Communications Technician Apprentice of the Year
Daniella Barata
Celebrated for excelling in a demanding STEM apprenticeship and achieving a Distinction.
“This apprenticeship has been an amazing experience that has given me the opportunity to learn but also solve real life challenges in the IT Industry. It has put me on a path to a career I’m passionate about.”
Work Placement Student of the Year
Tiegan Painter
Celebrated for professionalism, empathy and curiosity during a demanding healthcare placement.
“I would like to say thank you to my lecturer, Kathryn. Without her, I wouldn’t have reached the successes I dreamed of academically. This apprenticeship has provided me with a variety of skills that I will take out into my field of specialism in the near future.”
Work Experience Student of the Year
Lilian Davies
Recognised for enthusiasm, initiative and commitment throughout her veterinary work experience placement.
“This award means a lot. Between college and my work experience at the vet, I’ve learnt what caring for animals involves and the real-life situations that occur. I’m not sure yet what my future career will be but I’m proud of how well I have managed my placement.”
Unfortunately some of our winners couldn’t make it to the awards ceremony but we still celebrated them in their absence.
- Automotive Apprentice of the Year: Elliot Cuff
- Bricklayer Apprentice of the Year: Archie Farquharson
- Business Administration Apprentice of the Year: Hollie Errington
- Business Operations Apprentice of the Year: Danielle Blake
- Early Years Apprentice of the Year: Katharine Lee
- Electrician Apprentice of the Year: Ashleigh Tanner-Pepper
- Plumbing Apprentice of the Year: Nathaniel Johnson
We’ll be sharing individual winner stories over the coming weeks, highlighting the journeys behind these achievements and the impact apprenticeships and work placements can have.
Want to find out more about apprenticeships?
Stories like these show the impact apprenticeships can have – whether you’re starting out or supporting new talent.
Find out how you can begin your own apprenticeship journey, or how employers can get involved through 150 in 100 – our campaign supporting businesses to create new apprenticeship opportunities and help people build skills for life.
