We’re excited to share that Nottingham College's apprenticeship provision is celebrating an incredible series of award successes, with apprentices, colleagues and the wider team receiving recognition at both national and regional level.
Bodyshop Awards 30 Under 30
Vehicle Damage Apprentice Antoni Kurek, 21, has been named one of the Bodyshop Awards 30 Under 30 winners for 2026, recognising him as one of the automotive industry's most promising young professionals.
The prestigious programme, organised by Bodyshop Magazine, celebrates outstanding young talent from across the UK's collision repair sector. Antoni's recognition reflects his hard work, dedication and the positive impact he is already making in the industry.
Emtec Curriculum Manager, Josh Bennet said, “Antoni is a hard-working individual and has represented his company and the college to the highest standard, he has always gone above and beyond with any task given. His tutors and I are extremely proud of what Antoni has achieved and we believe that this is only the beginning for him with his VDA career.”
Emtec shortlisted for Diversity Award
Emtec at Nottingham College has been shortlisted for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award at the NBRA 2026 Greener Bodyshop Awards.
The shortlisting recognises the ongoing commitment of tutors, assessors, support staff, employers and partners who work together to ensure apprentices feel supported, valued and able to succeed.
Head of Student Experience, Sian Glover said: “For us, inclusion isn’t an initiative or something we switch on for an award submission. It is part of how we deliver apprenticeships every single day. Across Emtec, so much work goes on behind the scenes to make sure apprentices are seen, supported and given every opportunity to succeed – recognising that equality doesn’t always mean giving everyone the same thing, but ensuring each apprentice gets what they need to thrive.”
Eight shortlists at Regional Apprenticeship Awards
Our college has also been shortlisted in a whopping eight categories at the Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026. These are:
- Advanced Apprentice – Ashleigh Stone | Fix Auto UK
- Construction Apprentice – Luca Edwards | Mode Interiors
- Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice – Thai Holt | Keyworth Garage, Emtec
- Health & Public Service Apprentice – Tetiana (Tanya) Bondarchuk | Pearce & Nobles at Sawley Dental
- Apprentice Ambassador – Sian Glover
- Mentor – Kayleigh Foley
- Training Provider/Programme – Nottingham College Apprenticeships
- Our SME Employer – Johns of Nottingham
The awards celebrate the region's outstanding apprenticeship community, with winners due to be announced at Nottingham's Crowne Plaza on 1 October.
Celebrating apprenticeship success
These achievements are a fantastic reflection of the talented apprentices, dedicated colleagues and employer partners who make apprenticeships at Nottingham College such a success. Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised.