National Apprenticeship Week: The Bedford College Group celebrates apprentice success across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire
Apprenticeships are being celebrated across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire for National Apprenticeship Week, as The Bedford College Group is highlighting the achievements of all student apprentices who are training and working across a wide range of industries.
As one of the leading apprenticeship providers in the area, The Bedford College Group works with hundreds of businesses across the South Midlands, supporting apprentices to gain formal qualifications while building real-world skills in their chosen careers. Apprentices combine study at college with paid employment, allowing them to develop industry knowledge, confidence and long-term career prospects.
Apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in strengthening the local workforce, offering opportunities for young people in their careers, as well as adults looking to retrain or progress. Across the local economy, apprentices are helping employers grow while building the skills and confidence needed for long-term careers.
One apprentice being recognised during Apprenticeship Week is Alex, who has recently completed his Electrotechnical apprenticeship while studying at Tresham College Corby, part of The Bedford College Group.
Alongside his apprenticeship with Shire Electrical, Alex balanced work, study and family life while facing significant personal challenges, including a tragic loss. Despite this, he remained focused on achieving his goals, approaching his apprenticeship with resilience, determination and a consistently positive attitude.
Alex became the first apprentice in his cohort to sit the End-Point Assessment (EPA), demonstrating his commitment to both personal and professional development. Throughout his training, he was also known for the support he offered to others, encouraging classmates and helping to create a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
Clare Shemilt, Group Training Manager, Electrical and Engineering Apprenticeships at The Bedford College Group, said: “ National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to recognise the hard work and commitment shown by all of our apprentices across every sector. Alex’s journey highlights the resilience, determination and support for others that we see time and again.
"Apprenticeships offer people the chance to build skills, confidence and meaningful careers, and we are incredibly proud of the achievements of our apprentices and the employers who support them.”
Tanya Loncar, Office and Apprenticeship Manager at Shire Electrical, added: “At Shire Electrical, we champion apprenticeships because they matter, for our business, for the industry, and for the people building their futures. Apprenticeships give individuals the chance to earn while they learn, gain real experience on the job, and develop the skills and confidence that open doors to a wide range of opportunities within our company.
"We’re committed to supporting apprentices from day one and helping them progress. We have helped many local electricians of many ages on their journey from start to finish alongside the college, and it’s a true pleasure.
“Alex’s journey has meant such a lot to everyone at Shire. He’s shown real strength and determination, and he’s kept going with a level of focus and professionalism that’s genuinely admirable. He is proof that hard work, the drive to succeed and ambition, for any age, pays off; in fact, he’s an advocate for doing so.
We’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieved, and we’re extremely pleased to have been part of his apprenticeship success.”
The Bedford College Group continues to work closely with employers across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire to deliver high-quality apprenticeships that support individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
For more information about apprenticeships with The Bedford College Group, visit https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships/