Apprentices and Employers Celebrated from Across the Region in Cambridge Regional College Awards
Cambridge Regional College has celebrated the achievements of 16 exceptional apprentices and local employers from across the eastern region at the 2026 CRC Apprenticeship Awards, held on Tuesday 10 February as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Matyas Nyeki‑Varga, 21, Stevenage and Apprentice Engineer has been awarded the Overall Apprentice of the Year, while ASL Group, Ely, was awarded the Overall Apprentice Employer of the Year alongside 16 category winners, from across different sectors from engineering to catering or beauty to business. The awards celebrate outstanding apprentice achievement, and the exceptional commitment shown by the employers that support them.
The winners’ stories showcase how people of all ages can benefit from apprenticeships and how businesses across industries leverage them for their talent development strategies from recruiting new junior talent to developing existing talent.
Choosing an apprenticeship over university proved transformational for Matyas Nyeki‑Varga, now 21 and named both Engineering Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year. After completing his A‑levels and taking time out to travel, Matyas began his Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship with MBDA UK, entering the world of work for the very first time.
Now in his final year, Matyas has already completed his Higher National Certificate, is working towards his Higher National Diploma, and plans to progress to a Level 6 top‑up degree, all whilst securing his full‑time role with MBDA UK for 2026. He credits the apprenticeship route for offering both financial advantages and invaluable real‑world experience and encourages others to apply widely and embrace every opportunity. His journey shows how apprenticeships can open doors, build resilience, and accelerate a career faster than he ever imagined.
“For me the apprenticeship has meant learning in a different way. Spending 4 days at my employer and 1 day at college, has enabled me to learn on the job. As opposed to a university pathway, this has allowed me to build my confidence at work, build up my professional network and crucially allow me to determine which role in the company is right for me. I am a final year apprentice, meaning that soon I will graduate and become a full-time employee at my company.”
For the Overall Apprentice Employer of the Year, ASL Group who were also awarded the Business Disciplines Apprentice Employer of the Year, apprenticeships are a staple of their staff development strategy, having had apprentices across multiple areas including HR, Marketing, Business Administration, IT, Management and Leadership as well as Engineering.
“One of our most successful career stories is our current HR Manager, who joined the business in 2018 as an Office Administrator. She completed a Business Administrator apprenticeship, which provided a strong foundation for her development. From there, she progressed into the role of HR Administrator and later advanced to HR Advisor after successfully completing her Level 3 CIPD qualification. Her journey demonstrates how apprenticeships at ASL can lead to long-term career progression and leadership opportunities within the business.”
Many believe apprenticeships are just for those starting out on their career, however several of the winners at the awards showcased examples of how apprenticeships can be a route at any stage in life whether that is to retrain for a new career or developing into a new role or promotion with a current employer.
Sarah Smalley, 45, Highway Agreements Officer with Central Bedfordshire Council, Level 3 Civil Engineering Apprentice and Construction Apprentice of the Year 2026 winner, came to apprentices later in life to enable her to take on a new position and progress with her employer.
“When my current role was advertised two years ago as a career-grade position, it felt like the right opportunity. The role was designed for someone who didn’t need to have all the skills from day one, as full training would be provided. With my children now teenagers and more independent, I felt ready to challenge myself and take the next step – so I decided to go for it.”
Engineering Apprentice Employer of the Year, Duckworth & Kent Precision Components, St Ives, demonstrates the long-term benefit and potential of apprentices, with Salvatore Merola and Nicholas Drake collecting the award who started their own journeys as apprentices at CRC and went on to now both part own and run the company. Salvatore Merola, Director, said, “Duckworth and Kent have been dedicated to supporting apprenticeships since 2005, when the company welcomed its very first apprentice into the fold, Nicholas, who has since grown with the business and is now a proud part owner.”
“We’re proud to see our apprentices evolve into fully qualified inspectors, heads of departments, and leaders within the company. We have former apprentices who are now guiding and mentoring the next generation of apprentices, passing on their knowledge and experience to shape the future of DK.”
CRC Vice Principal and the evening host, Laura Kerry, said “These apprentices embody everything that is possible when people are given the right opportunities, support and encouragement. Whether they are starting out, returning to education or retraining later in life, apprenticeships offer a life‑changing route into skilled work. I’m incredibly proud to see the inspirational stories of each apprentice and of the employers who invest in them, shaping the skilled and adaptable workforce our region relies on.”
2026 Apprentice Employer of the Year Winners by category:
- Automotive, Transport & Logistics – Wicken 4X4, Soham
- Engineering – Duckworth and Kent, St Ives
- Construction & Trades – Chris Kennett Consulting Limited, St. Ives
- Catering, Culinary Arts & Hospitality – Waffle and Coffee, Saffron Waldon
- Early Years – Mother Goose Corner Nursery, Huntingdon
- Business Disciplines – ASL Group, Ely
- Hair & Beauty – Sanctum Beauty (Blades), Huntingdon
- IT & Computing – ctm Information Technology, Cambridge
2026 Apprentice of the Year Winners by category:
- Automotive, Transport & Logistics – Kaelan Butler, Newmarket (Wicken 4X4)
- Business Disciplines – Mariyam Ditta, Peterborough (Playfords Limited)
- Construction & Trades – Sarah Smalley, Bedford (Central Bedfordshire Council)
- Culinary Arts, Catering & Hospitality – India Barker-Hircock, Cambridge (St John’s College)
- Early Years – Willow Marsh, Cambridge (Harvey Road Day Nursery)
- Engineering – Matyas Nyeki-Varga, Stevenage (MBDA)
- Hair & Beauty – Samantha Godfroy, Cambridge (The Glassworks Cambridge)
- IT & Computing – Kieran Davis, St. Ives (Meridian Trust)
Employers were recognised for providing meaningful support, mentoring and opportunities that help apprentices gain the experience and confidence they need to thrive. Each of this year’s apprentice winners bring a remarkable story of dedication, resilience and personal growth.
The awards ceremony was hosted at the college’s Park Restaurant with the five-course dinner and evening’s hospitality provided by apprentice and study programme chefs and hospitality students, delivering an exceptional experience for all the guests.
