Four College Students Finalists in the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2026

The Dorset Apprenticeship Awards, organised by Dorset Chamber, celebrate the exceptional achievements of apprentices, supported interns, employers and training providers who are helping to shape the future of Dorset’s workforce. Delivered in partnership with Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network and proudly sponsored this year by Superior Seals, the awards shine a spotlight on excellence, dedication and innovation across the region.

From Bournemouth and Poole College, the following students have been nominated as finalists:

• Intermediate Level 2 Apprentice of the Year Finalist: 
  • William (working at Parker Heatric), Level 2 Welding Apprenticeship. 
• Advanced Level 3 Apprentice of the Year Finalist: 
  • Emily (working at Excel Energy), studying the Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship.
• Higher Level 4 and 5 Apprentice of the Year Finalists: 
  • Nathaniel (working at Eaton), Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge), Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship (has now joined the Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, hence being nominated at Level 4).
  • Peter (working at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), Level 5 FdSc Nursing Associate Apprenticeship. 

Nathaniel, a finalist in the Higher Level 4 and 5 Apprentice of the Year category, said: “My assessor sent me the link to the online form and suggested I apply for the award. I filled it in with details of how things had gone, what I did during the apprenticeship, the skills I learned and how I developed throughout my apprenticeship journey. I’m really happy to be in the final. It’s the first time I’ve done this sort of thing. I did win Apprentice of the Year at work, but to be in the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards is great. I worked really hard during the apprenticeship, and it’s nice to get recognition for that.”

Emily, an Advanced Level 3 Apprentice of the Year finalist, also commented: “As part of my application, I submitted a PowerPoint presentation to showcase my journey, covering the perseverance required through personal health challenges, relocating from a small hometown to Bournemouth for better opportunities and the visible marketing results I delivered for my employer. Being in the final is an incredible honour and feels like meaningful recognition of the dedication I’ve put in over the last two years.”

She added: “It’s not just a personal achievement; it represents all apprentices who have had to adapt to new roles, manage personal challenges and remain committed to their professional growth.”

The other two of the five categories represented by Dorset Chamber include Supported Intern of the Year and Degree Level 6 and Level 7 Apprentice of the Year. Last year, the college celebrated a category winner, with Morgan receiving the Intermediate Apprenticeship Award for his work at Nusara Thai Fire Kitchen as part of his apprenticeship programme.

Craig Robinson, Apprenticeship Manager at Bournemouth and Poole College, said: “To have so many entries in the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards is really exciting. To turn four entries into finalists is even better. We’re likely one of the first providers ever to have so many finalists. We wish the very best of luck to everyone involved at the ceremony, and we hope they all receive the recognition they so justly deserve.”

Winners for this year’s awards will be announced at the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards ceremony on 29th May. You can see the list of finalists here.

These nominations showcase the strength of our apprenticeship provision and the power of our partnerships with local employers, helping students build the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in their careers while driving growth across the local economy.