Barnet and Southgate College proudly celebrated the achievements of its employer partners and alumni apprentices at the National Apprenticeship Week 2026 Celebration Awards.
The prestigious annual event, held at Tudor Hall on the College’s Southgate Campus as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, brought together employers, apprentices, alumni, staff and special guests to recognise excellence, partnership and the transformative impact of apprenticeships across the region.
Employer-focused awards
The evening recognised outstanding employer commitment to developing talent and championing skills with a series of employer awards:
- Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year– N4 Gas, recognised for their unwavering dedication to training and supporting apprentices.
- Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year– Altro, celebrated for exceptional support of learners.
- Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (National)– Thorlux, acknowledged for consistently demonstrating excellence in apprenticeship delivery.
- Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (Local)– Enfield Council, recognised as an exceptional local apprenticeship employer.
- Inclusive Employer Award– Baxi, honoured for its commitment to inclusive employment practices and supporting diverse talent.
- Innovation in Apprenticeships Award– HS2, awarded for visionary leadership and innovation in apprenticeship programmes.
- Outstanding Mentor Award– Ben Harris (Thorlux), receiving special commendation for his dedication to mentoring apprentices.
Apprentice-focused awards
The College also celebrated the achievements of apprentices who have demonstrated excellence in their training and career progression:
- Young Apprentice of the Year (16–18)– Calum McDonnell, Gas Engineering apprentice.
- Internal Adult Apprentice of the Year– Ali Gurdal (Eren), Business Administration Level 3.
- National Adult Apprentice of the Year– Yusef Habebe, recognised for outstanding achievement at national level.
- Level 2 Apprentice of the Year– Stephen Sparks, Carpentry and Joinery apprentice.
- Level 3 Apprentice of the Year– Lewis Teixeria, who joined Baxi following completion of his studies.
- Level 4 or 5 Apprentice of the Year– Lindsy Ellis, Level 4 Improvement Practitioner apprentice.
- Apprenticeship Challenge Award– Anjana Sekhon-Masih, recognised as an exceptional candidate.
- Apprenticeship Ambassador Award– Paul Conder, honoured for inspiring others and championing lifelong learning.
A spokesperson for Barnet and Southgate College said:
“National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to celebrate the power of apprenticeships to transform lives and strengthen businesses. The awards highlighted the exceptional employers who invest in future talent and the apprentices who demonstrate dedication, resilience and ambition. We are incredibly proud of every winner and nominee.”
The event showcased powerful stories of progression, partnership and professional success, underlining the College’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes across sectors including engineering, construction, business, public services and manufacturing.