"So happy" - T Level student is highly commended in the National Apprenticeship and Skill Awards

A T Level student from South Hampshire College Group has received a special trophy in the prestigious National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards.

Benita Raphaels attended the awards as a regional finalist.

She was recognised with a highly commended trophy in the Gatsby T Level Student of the Year category for the extraordinary accomplishments on her T Level work placement.

The 17-year-old helped design and develop an inventory tracking app for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary which has now been approved for use throughout the force.

Benita’s recognition was made even more remarkable by the fact that she’s in the second year of her Level 3 Digital Production, Software Design and Development course.

Most of her competition were older in age and had already completed their T Level qualifications.

Benita said: “I’m so happy to walk away with a trophy, especially as I haven’t even finished my work placement yet.

“It’s the first time they included a T Level category in the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards and it was so good to see employers celebrate T Levels and positively recognise them in this way.

“I’d like to thank my college lecturers and employer for all their support and for believing in me.”

The ceremony for the South East regional finalists had 11 award categories with more than 150 guests in attendance.

Two accolades were up for grabs across all categories – the highly commended award and the overall category winner.

All the winners will go on to compete at the national ceremony in London on November 27.

Debbie Eacott, Benita’s lecturer and Digital Academy Lead at South Hampshire College Group, said: “Benita’s highly commended award at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards is a fantastic achievement and is truly a testament to her dedication and commitment in her industry placement at Hampshire Constabulary and her T Level studies at South Hampshire College Group.

“Well done Benita, you have a very bright future ahead of you.”

The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and for the first time includes awards to recognise T Level students and employers.

Over 1,300 entries were received nationally from sectors including the public sector, construction, health, science, IT and digital.