Sixth annual apprenticeship graduation celebrates Brighton & Hove's apprentices

The sixth annual Brighton & Hove Apprenticeship Graduation took place earlier this month. The event, which took place at the Hilton Metropole in the city, was organised by The Sussex Council of Training Providers.  

Over 150 guests attended the awards, with four special award categories recognising and celebrating graduates, training providers and employers and their invaluable work supporting apprentices across the city.

The evening's graduates were presented their graduation certificates by the city's mayor, Councillor Jackie O'Quinn, and the award winners were presented by their respective sponsors.   

This year's awards included:  

  • Outstanding Contribution by an Apprentice to an Employer Award  
  • Employee/Employer Contribution to Apprenticeships Award 
  • Tutor/Trainer of the Year Award  
  • Above and Beyond Award

Supporting Brighton's apprentices and employers

Vanessa Potter, Executive Director of SCTP, said: "It was inspiring to see so many apprentices, employers and training providers coming together to celebrate apprenticeships and recognise the impact that apprentices have on the city's communities and businesses.  

"Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for individuals to develop the most in-demand skills and qualifications, and they enable businesses to train the talent they need to support their businesses to grow.  

"Congratulations to the apprenticeship graduate class of 2023!"   

Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, who also gave the opening address, praised everyone involved. 

Councillor Sankey said: "It was a privilege to deliver the keynote speech at this year's apprenticeship awards.  

“It's a great event to be part of and reinforces our message that apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity for all ages, covering a wide range of sectors.   

"Apprentices are bringing new skills, mindsets and energy into our workplaces and support increased growth and productivity in the businesses they work for.  

“We have first-hand experience of the benefits apprentices bring, with more than 120 apprentices in training across our council services.   

"Research tells us that 90% of apprentices go into work or further training, with 88% going into sustained employment, clearly showing how apprenticeships can be the springboard to a successful, long-term career, and we will continue to support apprentices and employers across the city in the years to come." 

Find out more

Sponsors of the event include Brighton & Hove City Council, University of Brighton, NCFE, South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, Brighton Metropolitan College and Morgan Sindall Construction. 

For more information about apprenticeships please visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk. For more information about the event, or if you would like to get involved next year, please contact BHapprenticeships@sctp.org.uk