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Buckinghamshire College Group was delighted to welcome local MP Laura Kyrke-Smith to its Aylesbury Campus today as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, recognising the vital role apprenticeships play in developing skills for the local economy. 

During her visit, Laura toured several of the College’s specialist apprenticeship training areas, including Construction, Motor Vehicle, and Hairdressing. She met with apprentices, staff, and employer partners, gaining first-hand insight into the high-quality training, industry-standard facilities, and career pathways available to learners across Buckinghamshire. 

Laura spoke with apprentices about their experiences and future ambitions and engaged in positive discussions with employers about current opportunities and challenges within the local skills landscape. Conversations centred on workforce needs, emerging industry trends, and ways to further strengthen apprenticeship provision to better support businesses and apprentices throughout the region. 

Tracey Matthews, Vice Principal (Commercial & Partnerships) at Buckinghamshire College Group, commented:  

“We were delighted to welcome Laura Kyrke-Smith to the College during National Apprenticeship Week. We are grateful for the time she spent meeting our apprentices, employers and staff, and for her genuine interest in hearing about their experiences. Her visit provided a valuable opportunity not only for our learners and partners to showcase the impact of apprenticeships, but also for us to share key messages about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. We appreciate Laura taking these insights back to Parliament to help inform future discussions on skills and workforce development”. 

Buckinghamshire College Group is proud to champion apprenticeships and continues to work closely with employers to expand opportunities across a wide range of sectors. The College’s commitment to providing high-quality technical and professional education remains central to supporting the region’s economic growth and developing talent for the future. 

For more information about apprenticeships at Buckinghamshire College Group, visit: www.buckscollegegroup.ac.uk/apprenticeships 

About Buckinghamshire College Group: 

Buckinghamshire College Group (Bucks College Group) is a further education college with campuses in Aylesbury, Wycombe, and Amersham. The College provides vocational, technical, and professional skills education to over 4,500 students annually. The College provides full-time education for students aged 16 to 18, alongside a robust provision for adult learners and apprenticeships. Buckinghamshire College Group was formed from the merger of Aylesbury College and Amersham & Wycombe College in October 2017. The College is currently developing a new modern campus to be in the centre of High Wycombe which would bring together the provision offered at the existing Amersham and Wycombe sites. 

Gower College Swansea has held a special awards ceremony at Swansea.com Stadium as part of Apprenticeship Week Wales 2026.

The event, which honoured the outstanding commitment and dedication of the College’s apprentices, staff and employer partners from across Wales and England, was hosted by presenter/broadcaster Ross Harries, who has been the face of Welsh rugby for more than a decade.

Guest speakers for the night were James Owen, Chief Executive of Medr, and Jonathan Morris, Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs Manager at Tai Tarian.

“Apprenticeships are a key priority for many employers in terms of meeting the skills needed to develop and grow their businesses and I am delighted that, especially in recent years, the College has been able to respond to this demand,” says Principal, Paul Kift.

“Today we have over 2,500 apprentices at any one time, but I am also delighted to report that the quality of the provision has also strengthened with our apprentices, staff and programmes being recognised in Wales at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru and the Inspire Tutor Awards, and also across the UK at the Times Educational Supplement (TES) FE Awards, the Annual Apprenticeship Conference (AAC) Awards, and the Association of Colleges (AOC) Beacon Awards.”

Our 2026 apprentices of the year are:

Accountancy Apprentice of the Year – Alex Hoskin, Castleview Accountancy
Activity Leadership & Sports Development Apprentice of the Year – Sinead Hogan, Ysgol Ty Gwyn
Built Environment Apprentice of the Year – Leon Lezzi, Swansea Council
Business Administration Apprentice of the Year – Mikayla Novak, EYST
Business and Quality Improvement Apprentice of the Year – Ross Cotter, Energybuild Ltd
Childcare/Educational Support Apprentice of the Year – Katy Campbell, Rocking Horse Day Nursery
Civil Engineering Apprentice of the Year – Lewis Colborne, RMG Groundworks
Community Development Apprentice of the Year – Richard Thomas, United Welsh
Construction Apprentice of the Year – Sonny Desmond, J Lynch Building
Contact Centre Apprentice of the Year – Matthew Roberts, TUI
Customer Service Apprentice of the Year – Caitlin Lockett, Robert Price Builders Merchants
Digital Learning Design Apprentice of the Year – Tetiana Bohach, JoJo Maman Bébé
Electronics Apprentice of the Year – Freddy Thompson, NHS
Engineering and Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Liam Atkins, CJ Motors
Facilities and Resource Management Apprentice of the Year – Zoe Payne, Swansea Council
Floorcovering Apprentice of the Year – Keenan James, Lee James Flooring
Health Care Apprentice of the Year – Elizabeth Illing, Swansea Bay University Health Board
Housing Apprentice of the Year – Ross Williams, Merthyr Valley Homes
Information, Advice and Guidance Apprentice of the Year – Daniel Payne-Wilks, TCH Group
IT and Digital Apprentice of the Year – Elisha Cook, DVLA
Laboratory and Science Apprentice of the Year – Isobel Taylor, Hydratech
Legal Services Apprentice of the Year – Ruby Shadrach, JCP Solicitors
Management and Development Apprentice of the Year – Hana Kubiszova, Adept Consulting
Social Care Apprentice of the Year – Zoe Thicker, Pembrokeshire Council
Youth Work Apprentice of the Year – Cerian Asplet-Phoenix, Flintshire County Council

Pencampwr Cymraeg Gwobr Prentis – Katy Campbell, Rocking Horse Day Nursery
Pencampwr Cymraeg Gwobr Prentisiaeth Cyflogwr – Adra
Pencampwr Cymraeg Gwobr Prentisiaeth Tiwtor/Aseswr – Lowri Williams

Electrical, Electronic Product Service and Installation Apprentice of the Year (England) – Bradley Ager, Fisher and Paykel
Facilities Management Apprentice of the Year (England) – Fathema Sarkar, Marlin

Apprenticeship Tutor/Assessor of the Year – Anne Fellowes
Apprenticeship Tutor/Assessor of the Year (England) – Michael Rowe

Apprentice Employer of the Year (England) – St Monica Trust

Apprentice Employer of the Year (1-49 employees) – Meithrinfa Ffalabalam Cyfyngedig
Apprentice Employer of the Year (50-249 employees) – Energybuild Ltd
Apprentice Employer of the Year (250+ employees) – Ecolab
Apprentice Employer Champion of the Year – Rachel Healion, Swansea Council

Foundation Apprentice of the Year – Ross Cotter, Energybuild Ltd
Higher Apprentice of the Year – Hana Kubiszova, Adept Consulting
Apprentice of the Year (England) – Hamza Imansouren, Fisher & Paykel
Apprentice of the Year – Liam Atkins, CJ Motors

Many thanks to the Gorseinon Campus Jazz Band, led by Simon Prothero, for providing the arrival entertainment, and our Theatre and Live Events Production team, led by Adrian Hocking, for their fantastic work on the set, lighting and sound.

The event was part of a wide range of activities the College organised to celebrate Apprenticeship Week Wales 2026.

On 4 February, the College held a special open evening especially for people who are interested in apprenticeships. The event was a great success, with over 500 attending to chat with lecturers and employers.

Gower College Swansea is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Kift as its new Principal.

A former student of the College’s Gorseinon Campus, Paul has a long and successful history with Gower College Swansea, having first joined as a Director, then becoming Vice Principal and now taking up the position of Principal.

Before joining the College, Paul held senior management roles in the private and public sector, having worked in roles for Capital Law and Cardiff and Vale College.

During his time at Gower College Swansea, Paul has played a pivotal role in leading the College to award-winning status, with significant national recognition for excellence and innovation in further education and skills.

Under his leadership, the College has achieved multiple prestigious awards including two UK Association of Colleges Beacon Awards for Internationalisation (2022/23), recognising the College’s broad range of initiatives to develop learners, employers, staff and communities on an international scale, and for Widening Participation (2023/24) which focussed on the College’s Apprenticeships for All initiative, which has enhanced the social mobility of individuals with additional learning needs and disabilities.

Paul has also facilitated improvements in the quality of the College’s provision, delivered an increase in learner numbers, enhanced partnerships with industry and developed wider opportunities for learners beyond their studies.

Speaking about his appointment, Paul said:

“I’m delighted and deeply honoured to be appointed as Principal of Gower College Swansea. Having started my own journey here as a student at Gorseinon, this College is incredibly special to me. I’m genuinely proud of what we have achieved together to date and I’m excited to have the opportunity to innovate, collaborate and deliver outstanding outcomes for our learners, staff and partners.”

Kelly Fountain, CEO of Gower College Swansea, added:

“Paul’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Gower College Swansea. His deep understanding of our College community and proven leadership experience make him the ideal person to lead us forward. I look forward to working closely with Paul as we continue to deliver inspirational learning experiences and strengthen our position as a leading further education provider in Wales.”

Ian Price OBE, Chair of Governors, said:

“Throughout the recruitment process, Paul impressed us with his outstanding leadership, strategic insight and genuine commitment to our students, staff and community.

“We warmly congratulate Paul on his appointment as Principal and look forward to working with him as we continue to deliver an outstanding educational experience for our students and a supportive environment for our staff.”

Caitlin Thompson always aspired to pursue a career in Engineering and found the ideal route through an Apprenticeship with BT and Stoke on Trent College. She began her studies at the College in 2019, choosing the Apprenticeship pathway over university in order to gain hands-on experience alongside industry-recognised qualifications.

Since completing her Level 3 Maintenance Operational Electrical Technician Apprenticeship—which covered both mechanical and electrical disciplines—Caitlin has progressed steadily in her career. She now works as a Power Trainer at BT, overseeing the training of employees and Apprentices across the organisation.

“I always said I wanted an Apprenticeship, and found the course at BT to be the best way for me to achieve my Level 3 qualification,” Caitlin said. “I wanted to be an Engineer from an early age and wasn’t too concerned about which area of Engineering I went into.”

After qualifying, Caitlin joined BT’s Engineering Team and later transitioned into her current role, where she supports Level 4 Lead Engineering Apprentices both on-site and during their classroom-based sessions at the College.

“I started delivering training to other BT employees and Apprentices, and I’ve since moved into the Training Team. I organise all the sessions and really enjoy working with the new starters,” she explained.

As the only female on her course at the time, Caitlin has seen encouraging changes in the industry, with more women now pursuing Apprenticeships and careers in Engineering.

“It’s really important that we get more women into Engineering. I’ve found it to be a great environment to work in. I think some women don’t realise they can do this kind of job until they explore it as a career option,” she said.

The second cohort of Level 4 Lead Engineering Apprentices at BT have recently begun their first year and are already benefiting from new equipment, including a generator provided by BT, which enhances practical learning and links it to classroom theory.

“We’ve just had a generator brought in from BT, which will help the new Apprentices. It allows us to demonstrate how things work and connect theory to practical assessments,” Caitlin added.

She also praised the facilities at the College’s Technology Hub, which she believes offer a valuable learning experience.

“The Apprentices are going to get so much out of all the equipment available here, along with the range of Lecturers who will be teaching them throughout the course,” she said.

For aspiring female Engineers, Caitlin offered this advice: “Just go for it! I’d recommend applying—even if it is slightly outside your comfort zone, you’ll likely find a niche that suits you. Just remember, everyone in that class is in the same boat, and you will learn so much.”

Hassan Rizvi, Principal and CEO of Stoke on Trent College, expressed pride in Caitlin’s journey: “Caitlin is a prime example of how a learner can benefit from an Apprenticeship and pursue their chosen career path. As the largest provider of Apprenticeships in Stoke-on-Trent, we’re proud to collaborate with companies like BT and provide learners with outstanding opportunities to achieve their ambitions.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 7000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk  

Buckinghamshire College Group is delighted to welcome the Secretary of State’s approval for Marlow Studios, a landmark decision that signals a new era for the UK’s creative industries and for skills development in Buckinghamshire. 

The creative sector is one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries and a key priority for national and regional economic growth. Film and TV is a priority skills area of growth in Buckinghamshire, and Marlow Studios will create significant opportunities for education, training, and employment in high-demand roles across film, media, and emerging technologies. 

Jenny Craig, Principal and Chief Executive said: 

 “This is an exciting moment for our students and the wider community. We are proud to have supported the development of Marlow Studios and played an active role in championing its approval. The development of Marlow Studios represents a commitment to future skills and careers in a world-class industry. At Buckinghamshire College Group, we are proud to support this vision by ensuring our learners are work-ready and equipped with the technical and creative expertise that employers need.” 

Buckinghamshire College Group has a strong track record of delivering technical and vocational qualifications for school leavers and adult learners, with specialist courses in media, film production, and digital technologies. Our T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production will be a key pathway for students looking to enter the film and media industries, alongside other creative and technical programmes. 

The college is committed to working in partnership with Marlow Studios to ensure that our curriculum continues to be co-designed and co-delivered with industry experts.  Our students will also benefit from additional industry placements and work experience opportunities, giving them real-world exposure and preparing them for successful careers in the film industry. This collaboration will help us deliver on our mission to connect education with industry and contribute to the growth of the creative industries locally and help shape the future of storytelling, technology, and design. 

The approval of Marlow Studios will attract significant global investment and generate many jobs across film, media, and supporting sectors, reinforcing the UK’s position as a world leader in creativity and innovation. Buckinghamshire College Group will play a pivotal role in this transformation by developing the next generation of talent through industry-led training and collaborative projects that ensure students are equipped with the skills employers need in this fast-evolving landscape.  

Tracey Matthews, Vice Principal Commercial and Partnerships added: 

 “Our mission is to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow while also supporting adults who want to retrain or upskill, enabling them to take advantage of the incredible career opportunities this development will create. With Marlow Studios on our doorstep, we have a unique opportunity to connect education with industry, ensuring that Buckinghamshire remains at the heart of the UK’s creative economy.” 

For more information about our creative courses and partnerships, visit buckscollegegroup.ac.uk  

About Buckinghamshire College Group: 

Buckinghamshire College Group (Bucks College Group) is a further education college with campuses in Aylesbury, Wycombe, and Amersham. The College provides vocational, technical, and professional skills education to over 4,500 students annually. The College provides full-time education for students aged 16 to 18, alongside a robust provision for adult learners and apprenticeships. Buckinghamshire College Group was formed from the merger of Aylesbury College and Amersham & Wycombe College in October 2017. The College is currently developing a new modern campus to be in the centre of High Wycombe which would bring together the provision offered at the existing Amersham and Wycombe sites.  

Buckinghamshire College Group is excited to announce a new partnership with Future Pro Football Academy (FPF Academy), launching at the Wycombe Campus. This collaboration will provide students aged 16–19 with the unique opportunity to combine their education with elite football development. The partnership introduces a Football Academy Pathway alongside the Level 2 Sports Coaching and Level 3 Sports & Physical Activity programmes. Learners will study towards recognised qualifications while training and competing in a professional, academy-style football environment. 

The academy will provide structured football development for both boys and girls, offering an inclusive pathway for motivated students to progress in football alongside their education. Squads will compete in appropriate leagues, delivering a high-quality and competitive playing programme for all participants. Learners selected for the academy will take part in two to three football training sessions per week during college hours and represent the academy in weekly league and cup fixtures, gaining valuable experience in competitive football. 

Matt Smith, Director of Future Pro Football Academy, said: 

“This partnership with Buckinghamshire College Group is a major step forward for FPF Academy. Our aim has always been to create genuine pathways that support young players both academically and athletically. By combining high-quality education with professional football training, we’re giving learners the environment, structure and support they need to progress, whether that’s into higher education, a career in sport or further football development.”

FPF Academy has a proven track record in player development, with 30 players signing for professional clubs in the past 24 months, including Manchester United, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Luton Town, Oxford United, Queens Park Rangers, Fulham, MK Dons, Reading, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford, Stevenage, Arsenal, Brighton and West Ham United. The leadership team includes Director of Football Conrad Mukova, an Official Arsenal FC Scout, adding professional insight and talent identification expertise. 

Tom Donati, Head of Coaching at FPF Academy, added: 

“This programme mirrors the standards and expectations players experience in professional academy environments. We focus on developing the whole player — technically, tactically, physically and mentally — while ensuring education remains at the heart of the journey. For motivated learners, this is an outstanding platform to develop and prepare for the next stage.”

The Football Academy is overseen by UEFA A Licensed Coach Tom Donati, who has previously worked within professional academies at Chelsea, Peterborough United, AFC Bournemouth and Exeter City, supported by a team of UEFA B Licensed coaches. 

Jenny Craig, Principal and CEO of Buckinghamshire College Group, commented: 

“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for Buckinghamshire College Group. We are committed to creating opportunities that inspire and empower our learners, and this collaboration with Future Pro Football Academy does exactly that. By combining academic achievement with elite football training, we’re offering students a pathway that nurtures ambition, talent and personal growth, both on and off the pitch.” 

The Football Academy Pathway is available to students enrolled on Level 2 Sports Coaching or Level 3 Sports & Physical Activity programmes at Wycombe Campus. Students on other full-time courses may also be considered, subject to timetable compatibility and successful trial. Entry is based on trial performance, and learners may continue representing their local clubs alongside academy participation where appropriate. 

Together, Buckinghamshire College Group and Future Pro Football Academy are shaping the next generation of talent. For more information or to apply for the Football Academy Pathway, visit: buckscollegegroup.ac.uk  

About FPF Academy: 

Future Pro Football Academy is an independent football development organisation delivering structured, syllabus-led programmes across multiple centres in the UK, supporting player development and progression alongside education and career pathways within sport. 

About Buckinghamshire College Group: 

Buckinghamshire College Group (Bucks College Group) is a further education college with campuses in Aylesbury, Wycombe, and Amersham. The College provides vocational, technical, and professional skills education to over 4,500 students annually. The College provides full-time education for students aged 16 to 18, alongside a robust provision for adult learners and apprenticeships. Buckinghamshire College Group was formed from the merger of Aylesbury College and Amersham & Wycombe College in October 2017. The College is currently developing a new modern campus to be in the centre of High Wycombe which would bring together the provision offered at the existing Amersham and Wycombe sites.