Business News

Apprentices honoured at Wiltshire College & University Centre awards

February 19, 2026 Nick Batten

3 min read

Apprentices and students took centre stage last week (9th February) as they were praised for their dedication and commitment at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s annual Apprenticeship and Work Placement Awards.

Families, employers and college staff came together at the Civic Centre in Trowbridge to celebrate apprentices’ achievements, the hard work of students on work placements and the contribution of employers.

Among the winners was Bogdan Soporan, 42, who was named Hospitality Apprentice of the Year after his remarkable progress in the kitchen at Allenbrook Nursing and Residential Care in Fordingbridge, near Salisbury.

Bogdan, who studied at Salisbury, was doing maintenance and washing up but was encouraged to start his Level 2 Production Chef Apprenticeship by his manager when he started helping to make sandwiches.

“This award is amazing and frankly I’m absolutely gobsmacked,” he said. “I can’t believe it has happened and it’s like a recognition of my work. I think it’s going to be very good for the future.”

Apprentices from Wiltshire College & University Centre standing on stage holding glass awards during the annual Apprenticeship and Work Placement Awards ceremony, with event branding, balloons and lights in the background — ***Apprentices from Wiltshire College & University Centre during the annual awards ceremony*** ***(Image: WCUC)***

Meanwhile, Information Communication Technician Apprentice of the Year Daniella Barat, 23, of Chippenham, achieved a Distinction in her Level 3 Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship at Rowden Surgery.

T Level Health student Tiegan Painter, 19, of Melksham, was named Work Placement Student of the Year after a stint at a care home in Melksham and on a rehabilitation ward at Chippenham Hospital.

Although she had been daunted by what she might see on the ward, she enjoyed the experience. “It almost gave me a sense of reassurance that I am there to help people,” said Tiegan, who will be going on to university after a gap year.

Caitlin Johnstone, 25, of Devizes – who won Accounting Apprentice of the Year – began her studies at Level 3 and has now progressed to Assistant Accountant Level 4 while working in group finance for Alliance in Chippenham. She said, “I had five years working and then completely shifted career. So to take that risk and then win an award tonight kind of proved that I made the right decision; it is lovely.”

Joe Collins, The 25-year-old, from Chippenham, who won Engineering Apprentice of the Year, achieved Distinction grades in every unit of his Level 3 Machinist Apprenticeship with sack truck manufacturer BIL Group in Calne.

Danielle Blake, who is Youth Service Lead at The Rise Trust in Chippenham, studied for a Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship and was named Business Operations Apprentice of the Year.

Iain Hatt, Principal & Chief Executive Officer of Wiltshire College & University Centre, told the audience, “Your hard work, commitment, and achievements are truly inspiring. You fully deserve this recognition, and I have no doubt you will go on to even greater success.”

Other winners: