On Thursday 8 May 2025, Bridgwater & Taunton College held their annual Apprenticeship and Placement Awards ceremony at The McMillan Theatre, with their host, Lucy Hawkins.

The annual awards ceremony brings together their employer partners, T Level students, apprentices, supported employment students and staff for an evening of celebration.

Andy Berry CBE, Principal and CEO of Bridgwater & Taunton College said,

The awards ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of everyone involved. Each year, I’m inspired by the stories of resilience, personal growth, and achievement shared by our students and apprentices. We’ve heard from aspiring professionals taking their first steps into the workforce with determination and a passion for learning, as well as from employer partners who’ve seen firsthand the value apprentices and work placements bring to their organisations.

These experiences are far more than just stepping stones -they are powerful, life-changing journeys that open doors and shape futures.

The event was kindly sponsored by FDQ, Paul Smith Associates, Walker Family Law, UKHO, Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce, Tradebe Inutec, Digital Somerset, NHS Somerset Foundation Trust, NRS, Initiis, Somerset Careers Hub, Pearson, Taunton Round Table and Learning Curve Group.

Judges had the unenviable task of whittling down the record number of nominations to just 14 award winners.

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year went to Jacson Lucas, for his work as Hospitality team member at the Lion Rock Tea Rooms. During his apprenticeship, he has overcome personal challenges with perseverance and resilience and continuously shown progression and skill development.

Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year was awarded to Matravers Engineering for their remarkable work in supporting 25 apprentices over the past 32 years.

Advanced Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Bethany Hill, who is currently working as a Community Sport and Health Officer Apprentice at Okehampton Flyers Gym and Trampoline Club. The team at Okehampton say she is an asset who has gone above and beyond what is expected of her.

• Highly Commended was awarded to Rae Pearson.

Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year was awarded to Mike Morgan Electrical Services for their continuous commitment to supporting the next generation of electricians. They provide continual development opportunities for individuals even after completing their apprenticeships and actively support employees in furthering their skills and knowledge.

The Higher/Degree Apprentice of the Year went to Nathan Storey and James Shipway. Nathan is undertaking a Construction Design and Build Apprenticeship with Wessex Water and has steadily progressed through the ranks to become a Project Manager. James is a Countryside Ranger with the Cornwall Heritage Trust whose skill development and growth in confidence has led to various recognition within the company.

• Highly Commended was awarded to Tash Astill

Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year was awarded to YTL Group Wessex Water. They collaborate closely with BTC to actively engage and recruit individuals across an extensive and diverse range of apprenticeship programmes in Civil Engineering and Engineering.

• Highly Commended was awarded to Yeo Valley

The Work Experience Student of the Year was awarded to Finley Griffiths, who completed his work placement with ASG Autos and displayed outstanding commitment throughout.

The Work Experience Employer of the Year went to Hinkley Point C. Former BTC student Mia, who studied at the National College for Nuclear before joining EDF, has used her own experience to shape the Work Experience programme that’s now in its fourth year. To date, it has supported 41 learners—with an outstanding 100% progression rate into apprenticeships with EDF.

T Level Placement Student of the Year was awarded to George White for his role as Civil Engineering Assistant role Fairhurst. The opportunity has allowed him to gain hands-on experience in the civil engineering field, working on real-world projects and developing critical skills.

• Highly Commended was awarded to Fredrick McGwyer

The T Level Placement Employer of the Year was awarded to Singer Instruments. The late Adrian Huxley, who has championed work placements and welcomed ten students into Singer Instruments, supported them with mentorship, technical training, and opportunity. Adrian’s passion for teaching young people and helping them overcome challenges has been the driving force for Singer Instrument’s involvement with work placements. Our thoughts are with Singer Instruments and Adrian’s family.

• Highly Commended was awarded to Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce

The Supported Employment Student of the Year went to Harrison Hart, for his 14-week Supported Traineeship with Hinkley Point C. Harrison participated in a structured programme focused on skill development and workplace readiness and has transformed from tentative to confident.

• Highly Commended was awarded to Harrison Small

The Supported Employment Employer of the Year was awarded to Hinkley Point C for their Supported Traineeship.  They have seen the transformational benefits this programme brings to the Trainees, their families and to the teams they join at HPC.

BTC Partner of the Year was awarded to British Gymnastics. Their apprenticeship programme, built in collaboration with BTC, is designed to increase capacity and participation within clubs. The national consistency of the programme ensures every club, big or small, benefits equally.

This year also saw the welcomed return of the James Satchell Memorial Award, sponsored by the Taunton Round Table. This was award to Nathan Storey for his outstanding contributions to apprenticeships.

We wish to congratulate all the finalists and winners on their successes!