Celebrating Exceptional Talent: Highlights from the National Apprenticeship Week Star Awards
Bradford College recently hosted its annual Star Awards to honor outstanding apprentices, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week 2026. This inspiring event brought together students, educators, local employers, and families to celebrate the exceptional achievements and personal growth of apprentices within the community.
A Night of Recognition and Inspiration
The awards ceremony, held at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford, showcased remarkable stories of resilience and dedication. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 'CBRE Apprentice of the Year' award, which went to Tegan Durkin, a hardworking apprentice at The Poplars Dental Practice. Despite facing personal health challenges early in her program, Tegan's unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to her studies earned her this prestigious title.
Tegan's reaction to the award encapsulated the spirit of the evening: “I’m so surprised... I can’t believe I won! I’d 100% recommend an apprenticeship. You get real hands‑on experience while you study, and the support from the tutors and employers is just great!” Her story serves as a testament to the resilience shown by many apprentices, proving that challenges can be overcome with determination and support.
Honoring Excellence in Vocational Training
The event also celebrated various categories of apprentices, recognizing individuals like Nida Hayat from St Philip’s CofE Primary School and Joseph Worth for their exceptional contributions and resilience in their respective fields. Alina Khan, Vice Principal for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Bradford College, emphasized the significance of vocational training and how these apprentices represent the future workforce of the country.
In addition to individual accolades, several employers were recognized for their support in fostering apprenticeships, with Northern Pump Supplier Ltd named 'Apprenticeship Employer of the Year.' This recognition highlights the crucial role that companies play in developing young talent and ensuring that apprentices receive the necessary guidance and mentoring.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the night concluded, Chris Leahy from CBRE delivered an empowering message to the apprentices, underscoring their importance as the future leaders of the workforce. He encouraged them to embrace the opportunities presented by their apprenticeships fully. The event underscored the positive impact of apprenticeships on personal and professional development, aligning perfectly with the themes of National Apprenticeship Week.
The stories from the Star Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reflect the strength and potential of apprenticeships to transform lives and careers. As we look towards the future, the success of these apprentices serves as an inspiration for many others contemplating their own pathways in vocational education.
