Region’s rising apprenticeship stars celebrated at Sandy Park
Apprentices, employers, sponsors and guests gathered at Sandy Park on Friday 26 June as Exeter College celebrated the achievements of the apprenticeship community at its annual Apprentice and Employer Awards.
The 2026 Awards recognised the success of 16 exceptional Exeter College apprentices across a variety of categories, including construction, education and IT. The awards highlighted the breadth of Exeter College’s apprenticeship offer and the role of apprenticeships in the wider regional economy.
Five awards were also presented to employers, celebrating their work to train and provide apprenticeship opportunities for young people across the South West. This year’s awards also saw the introduction of a new employer category, Innovative Employer of the Year.
The evening was hosted by two Exeter College apprentices: Moira Keogh, who is now completing her Level 3 Customer Service Specialist Apprenticeship with Great Western Railway, and Layla Snell, who recently achieved a distinction in her Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship with Custom Insurance & Mortgage Solutions.
Speaking at the awards, John Laramy CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO at Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:
“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent, determination and resilience shown by our apprentices, alongside the employers whose commitment makes apprenticeship success possible.
“Every finalist and winner has demonstrated the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and our wider community. Congratulations to everyone recognised this evening.”
A poignant moment of the evening was the presentation of the Greg Akers Construction Trades Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award. The award is dedicated to the memory of Greg, who passed away unexpectedly during his apprenticeship. Greg’s family joined guests to share their memories and honour his legacy, before announcing James Cook, Level 3 Site Carpentry Apprentice, as this year’s winner.
During the ceremony, Greg’s family also announced plans to establish a foundation in his name, creating opportunities for future talent in the construction industry. Jo, Greg’s mum, said:
“I am passionate about leaving a legacy for Greg. Watching him flourish in a vocational role showed me the power of finding your passion. I will be working with employers, suppliers and the College within the sector to establish a foundation in Greg’s name, creating opportunities, developing skills, and helping shape the next generation of talent.”
Around 950 employers currently partner with Exeter College to deliver apprenticeships. These include Great Western Railway, which delivers all its apprenticeships through Exeter College, alongside employers that have recently been recognised for their apprenticeship work, such as Design Foundry and Hall & Woodhouse.
The Ted Wragg Trust were named Large Employer of the Year at this year’s awards. Moira Marder, CEO of Ted Wragg Trust, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award from Exeter College as growing great people is one of our key strategic anchors. Investing in our staff is one of the most important things we do because we know that when our colleagues are supported to learn, grow and develop, our children and communities benefit too.
“Apprenticeships provide an incredible opportunity to develop talent, bring fresh perspectives into our schools and create rewarding career pathways within education. We are incredibly proud of everyone who has taken part in the programme and grateful to Exeter College for being such a valued partner in helping us develop the next generation of education professionals.”
In January this year, Exeter College merged with North Devon College to form the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group (ENDC). As a group, ENDC collectively offers one of the largest apprenticeship provisions in the UK, which includes over 90 apprenticeship standards and saw 1,310 apprentices enrolled across the 2025-2026 academic year, with numbers expected to increase in 2026/27.
Following the successful launch of five new apprenticeship programmes in 2025/26, including aviation, roofing and specialist teaching assistant, ENDC is introducing a further seven apprenticeship opportunities for 2026/27 across healthcare, digital, construction, hospitality and business administration.
Exeter College’s annual Apprentice and Employer Awards remain a highlight of the College calendar and recognises the efforts of apprentices, employers and partners to develop vital skills across the region.
2026 Exeter College Apprentice and Employer Award Winners:
| Category | Winner | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Business Apprentice of the Year | Zoe Bates | Simpkins Edwards |
| Professional & Adult Learning Apprentice of the Year | Charlotte Green | Exeter Aerospace |
| Construction Technical & Professional Apprentice of the Year | Max James | Sungift Solar |
| Construction Trades Apprentice of the Year | James Redman | Pro Bricklayers |
| Greg Akers Construction Trades Advanced Apprentice of the Year | James Cook | Fifields |
| Digital, Data & IT Apprentice of the Year | Rachel Nicholls | Progressive |
| Education & Early Years Apprentice of the Year | Kayla Dart | Nanny Bears Childcare |
| Engineering Apprentice of the Year | Tilly Bowring | HepcoMotion |
| Engineering Advanced Apprentice of the Year | Aidan Leigh-Browne | West Cars Tiverton |
| Automotive Apprentice of the Year | Jaiden Hayfield | City West Country (Mercedes) |
| Health & Care Apprentice of the Year | Rachel Greenaway | RDU |
| Hospitality & Catering Apprentice of the Year | Sam Stirling | Lympstone Manor |
| Sport Apprentice of the Year | Ellis Cousens | BGEX |
| Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year | Lilly Fisher | GSAP |
| Rail Apprentice of the Year | Ryan Swanborough | GWR |
| Inspiring Apprentice of the Year | William Ginieres | Little Ducklings Nursery |
| SME Employer of the Year | Summerhayes Care Home | NOCN |
| Large Employer of the Year | Ted Wragg Trust | NOCN |
| New Employer of the Year | Hall & Woodhouse | Little Pearls Nursery |
| Innovative Employer of the Year | Design Foundry | St Austell Brewery |
| Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships | Andrew Hughes | AWP |
Find out more about Exeter College Apprenticeships here. View current Apprenticeship vacancies here.
