Colleges, employers and training providers from across Kent came together recently to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and highlight the vital role apprenticeships continue to play in developing future skills and supporting economic growth.
More than 200 guests attended the inaugural Kent Apprenticeship Awards at Priestfield Stadium in Gillingham, recognising outstanding apprentices, mentors, employers and training providers from across the county.
The awards attracted 125 nominations spanning sectors including engineering, construction, healthcare, horticulture, education, digital industries and business services, with judges praising the exceptional quality of entries and the inspirational stories behind them.
The event was supported by East Kent Colleges Group, MidKent College and North Kent College as founding partners, reflecting the strong collaboration between further education providers and employers in creating opportunities for learners and addressing skills needs across the region.
Throughout the evening, apprentices shared stories of personal and professional transformation, demonstrating how apprenticeship programmes can provide valuable routes into employment, career progression and lifelong learning.
One of the evening's most inspiring winners was Anil Gurung, who rebuilt his career through an apprenticeship following a life-changing injury sustained after serving in the military. His story highlighted the ability of apprenticeships to open new opportunities and support individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances.
The awards also recognised employers making a significant contribution to workforce development, with KKB Group named Champion of the Year for its commitment to supporting apprentices and investing in future talent.
Lucy McLeod, Chief Executive Officer of East Kent Colleges Group said:
"These awards demonstrate the incredible impact apprenticeships have on individuals, employers and local communities.
"Every finalist and winner should be enormously proud of their achievements. Their stories show how apprenticeships can help people develop valuable skills, build confidence and achieve their ambitions, while providing employers with the talent they need to grow and succeed.
"It has been particularly encouraging to see education providers and employers working together to celebrate success and champion apprenticeships as a high-quality route into rewarding careers."
Speaking at the event, Simon Cook, representing Kent's Further Education colleges, including East Kent Colleges Group, MidKent College and North Kent College, said:
"Across Kent and Medway we see every day the incredible talent, ambition and potential that apprentices bring to employers. The people recognised through these awards are not only achieving great things in their own careers, they are helping to demonstrate the value apprenticeships bring to businesses and communities across the county.
"Too many young people still struggle to find an employer willing to take them on, despite the demand for apprenticeship opportunities. Those recognised tonight have an important story to tell, and by sharing those stories we can encourage more employers to invest in the next generation of talent.
"I started my own career as an apprentice and I can still see today how those early experiences shaped my future. Apprenticeships provide an incredible foundation for success, opening doors, building confidence and creating opportunities that can last a lifetime."
James Brincat of headline sponsor Kimberly-Clark said: "The calibre of nominations demonstrated the strength of apprenticeship talent across Kent and the commitment employers are making to developing future skills.
"Apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in helping businesses address skills shortages, develop their workforce and create opportunities for the next generation."
Organisers hope the Kent Apprenticeship Awards will become an annual celebration of apprenticeship success, helping to raise awareness of the opportunities available through further education and work-based learning.
A full list of winners can be found at https://www.ka-awards.co.uk/insights/shaping-the-future-celebrating-the-winners-of-the-first-ever-kent-apprenticeship-awards/