Outstanding apprentices and employers have been celebrated for their achievements at a regional awards ceremony.
The Apprenticeship and Skills Awards took place at the Woking Doubletreeby Hilton, recognising individuals and organisations across the South East who have gone above and beyond in the world of apprenticeships and technical education.
Now in its 23rd year, the event honours apprentices, T Level students, skills champions and employers who have transformed their careers and businesses through commitment to training and development.
Minister for Skills, Jacqui Smith said: "All those nominated - from the apprentices to the employers and training providers - have shown that success comes from opening doors and creating real opportunity.
"We're making the system more responsive to what young people and businesses need, backing this up with 50,000 new apprenticeships for young people and a wider drive to get more young people earning and learning.
"I want to congratulate every winner and finalist in the South East and wish them the very best at the National Final."
Among the winners was Alice Skipsey, a multi-channel marketing apprentice at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, who received the BAE Systems Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award.
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Ms Skipsey said: "I’m thrilled to have won the BAE Systems Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award.
"My apprenticeship has transformed my confidence, skills and career aspirations, giving me the opportunity to make a real impact while gaining a qualification.
"My achievements have led to my promotion from Band 3 to Band 4 and I now promote apprenticeships at careers events.
"Every young person should consider an apprenticeship as a worthwhile and rewarding first step in their career journey."
Alison Galvin MBE, chief people officer and founder at INV Group, said: "We’re delighted to have won the OAL SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award.
"Over a decade ago, we recognised our future depended on developing people, not competing for scarce talent.
"Apprenticeships became the cornerstone of our long-term talent strategy, and today nearly half of our team are current or qualified apprentices."
Each regional winner will now progress to represent the South East at the National Final in London on November 26 2026.
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