Twenty apprentices from North Kent Colleges Group (NKC Group) colleges were recognised for their outstanding achievements at the Kent and Medway Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony 2026, held at Rochester Cathedral on Friday 16 October.
The annual event, now in its eighth year, celebrated more than 200 apprentices from nearly 90 employers and 31 training providers across Kent and Medway. It brought together apprentices, employers, training providers and business leaders to recognise the hard work, dedication and skills of those completing their apprenticeship journeys.
Apprentices from NKC Dartford College, NKC Gravesend College and NKC Hadlow College were nominated to attend in recognition of their outstanding achievement and performance. Representing a range of industries, the apprentices included those studying for Business Administration, Motor Vehicle, Sports Turf and Horticulture apprenticeships.
Each apprentice was called to the stage to receive their certificate, marking an important milestone in their professional development.
The ceremony was attended by Lauren Edwards, MP for Rochester and Strood, Cllr Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, and Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, alongside employers, business leaders and training providers.
NKC Hadlow College proudly provided the floral displays throughout Rochester Cathedral as part of NKC Group’s silver sponsorship of the event, helping create a fitting setting for this prestigious celebration. The ceremony also highlighted the inclusive nature of apprenticeships, recognising achievements that might otherwise go unmarked by a traditional graduation ceremony.
Apprenticeships combine learning with practical, hands-on experience, allowing individuals to develop their knowledge, build industry-specific skills and apply what they learn in the workplace. Alongside technical expertise, apprentices can develop valuable employability skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. With support from their employers and training providers, they gain real-world experience while working towards recognised qualifications and progressing in their chosen careers.
Hope West, Head of Apprenticeships at NKC Group, said: “The Kent and Medway Apprenticeship Graduation is a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices across Kent and Medway. Every apprentice has their own personal journey, shaped by their experiences, challenges, hard work and determination.
“Apprenticeships are for everyone. They provide opportunities for people from all backgrounds to develop their skills, gain valuable experience and build successful, rewarding careers.”
Hope added that celebrating apprentices’ achievements also underlines the importance of employers and training providers working together to develop local talent, address skills shortages and build a stronger workforce for the future.
The ceremony was a proud moment for the apprentices and everyone who has supported them, recognising not only their individual achievements but also the contribution apprenticeships make to businesses and communities across the region.
· Scott Nolan – Sports Turf, Level 2
Employer: Kings School Canterbury
· George Winter – Motor Vehicle, Level 3
Employer: Collier Street Garage
· Tom Pope – Motor Vehicle, Level 3
Employer: Paddock Wood MOT Service and Repairs
· Freddie Daniels – Motor Vehicle, Level 3
Employer: Bapchild Motoring World
· George Fraser – Motor Vehicle, Level 3
Employer: British Car Auctions
· Shannon Avery – Horticulture
Employer: Sevenoaks School
· Hayden Appleby – Business Administrator, Level 3
Employer: Watson Farley Williams
· Millie George – Business Administrator, Level 3
Employer: Linklaters
· Victoria Perryman – Business Administrator, Level 3
Employer: Mathys & Squire
· Scarlett Pinnock – Business Administrator, Level 3
Employer: Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
· Tabitha Howell – Business Administrator, Level 3
Employer: Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
· Millie Naden – Business Administrator, Level 3
Employer: Linklaters
· Ruby Tolman – Business Administrator, Level 3
Employer: Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
· Olivia Sengupta – Business Administrator, Level 3
Employer: Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Interested in an apprenticeship? NKC Group works with employers to help apprentices develop the skills and experience needed to succeed in their chosen industries. Explore apprenticeship opportunities and find out more at nkcgroup.ac.uk/our-group.