Milton Keynes College Group celebrated its apprentices completing their courses, with a graduation event on Thursday 27^th February at the Ridgeway Centre in Milton Keynes.  

The event saw 40 apprentices covering a wide range of courses including Digital, Business, Finance and Construction collect their course certificates, supported by friends, family and their employers. The event was also attended by Milton Keynes Mayor Marie Bradburn and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Judge Tony Hughes and included performances from Milton Keynes College students Luca Brown and Ella Boetang. 

Awards were also given to apprentices who had gone above and beyond during their time with their employers and the College. The awards were presented by Anna Clarke, Head of Employer Engagement and Partnerships, Sally Alexander, CEO and Group Principal and Sarah Thompson, Head of Apprenticeships, and were given to the following apprentices: 

• Business Award – Ellen Gibbons (Superior Homecare Services Limited) 

• Commis Chef Award – Finnan Keen (Silverstone Circuits) 

• Construction Award – Ben Hambridge (Heyford Park Developments Ltd, part of Dorchester Living) 

• Digital Award – Tamzin Bedford (Toru Interactive Ltd) 

• Engineering Award – Alex Digby (Stokvis Tapes UK Ltd) 

• Finance Award – Samuel Ward-Butler (Panton Accountancy Services Ltd) 

• Hair Professional Award – Vanessa Graziano (Aloha Hair) 

• Inspirational Award  – Kian Hall (Parrott Construction Ltd) 

• Rising Star Award – Mia Hammer (Oracle Red Bull Racing) 

• Contribution Award – Kai Murdoch (Taylor Wimpey South Midlands) 

Charlotte Parkinson, graduating Marketing Apprentice from Aztech IT, commented: “Since completing my apprenticeship through MK College, I’m now a Marketing Executive at Aztec IT. I found the apprenticeship amazing – coming out of university, it was great to go into the outside world straight away. My employer and Milton Keynes College have both been amazing and I’m very happy to be graduating.” 

College Group CEO, Sally Alexander, added: “Our Apprenticeship Graduation event is about recognising the talent in our wonderful graduates like Charlotte, celebrating them and giving them an opportunity to be extremely proud of themselves.  

“Milton Keynes College Group is driven by our Fairer Futures Strategy, which highlights our commitment to delivering aspirational educational programmes, which I know our graduates will all have experienced. We are delighted to have supported our apprentices to develop the skills which are needed within our communities and will support the growth of businesses across the city.  

“We’re very proud of everything our apprentices have achieved, and we wish them the best of luck as they move into the next stage of their very exciting careers”. 

You can find out more about apprenticeship at MK College here Apprenticeships – MK College 

Celebrating apprenticeship successes at MK College Group

Milton Keynes College Group has been celebrating its apprenticeship successes as part of National Apprenticeship Week, and the stories of those graduating show how apprenticeships can change lives.  The College Group’s Apprenticeship Graduation ceremony was held at Unity Place in central Milton Keynes on Thursday 8^th February.

One of the award winners, carpenter Dan Burton, commented: “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I left school.  Before starting the apprenticeship, I worked as a delivery driver and even considered joining the army. I thought pursuing a trade would be a perfect fit for me.

“I considered just getting a job and learning as I go, but then I realised that with an apprenticeship, I could work and learn, and earn a qualification at the end.  I opted for carpentry.  Working four days a week suited me better than being in College full-time.

“I completed my apprenticeship with Go Large Design and Build.  It’s a brilliant company to work with. We handle all sorts of projects, from renovations to new builds, and now I’ve graduated, I’ve got a full-time job there.  I definitely recommend the apprenticeship route; you learn so much when you’re actually on the job. It’s hands-on, practical, and you’re right in the thick of things. That’s where the real learning happens.

“I need to thank my tutor at the College, Brendan, who was really helpful.  He played a big part in helping me to pass.  In a few years, I’d like to start my own business. Maybe I’ll even have my own team of employees one day.”

Georgina Williams didn’t really enjoy school and didn’t want to go into the sixth form, so decided to take up a professional cookery apprenticeship.  Winner of the contribution to community and workplace apprentice of the year award, she says she fell in love with working with food.

“I started my apprenticeship at Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa and I admit that after school, working 10-12 hours a day and late nights was a bit of a shock.  But my college tutor helped me adapt to the chef’s life, as he was a chef himself and gave me advice on how to cope.

“During my course I was promoted to working in the three-rosette restaurant, Murrays.   I also entered two cookery competitions, getting a merit in the first and a silver medal in the second.

“I’m also a project ambassador for a hospitality charity – The Burnt Chef Project – which promotes positivity in the hospitality industry.

“I completed my apprenticeship in December 2023 with three distinctions. Now, I always suggest to friends to do an apprenticeship. You get college life and get to go somewhere new, but you also gain work experience and earn your own money as well.

“I’m considering doing the next level apprenticeship online next. I plan to stay where I am working now to learn the entire kitchen and I’m also hoping to raise lots of money for the Burnt Chef Project in the future.”

College Group Principal and CEO, Sally Alexander, added: “Dan and Georgina’s stories are so very familiar to everyone who’s worked with apprenticeships.  Watching people grow into their careers, guided by expert tutors while working on the job is a fabulous thing to see.  Their confidence builds as they gain both knowledge and experience, and that brings with it real self-esteem and sense of achievement.  What’s more, the businesses they work for can mould their learning and training to turn them into ideal employees.  We’re all every proud of all our award winners.  They’re a credit to their college and also to their companies.”

Companies interested in taking on an apprentice and would-be apprentices should contact apprenticeships@mkcollege.ac.uk