We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our latest graduating apprentices. This year marks another incredible milestone for Steve Willis Training, as we celebrated the graduation of more than 120 newly qualified apprentices across our Portchester and Burgess Hill centres.
Demonstrating the strong pipeline of skilled talent we provide to the trade industries, this year’s cohort included 61 graduates successfully completing their Level 3 Electrical Apprenticeship Standard, and another 62 graduates achieving their Level 3 Gas Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Standard.
Completing these programmes requires real dedication, and among this fantastic group of more than 120 now fully qualified Gas Engineers and Electricians, several individuals and employers truly went above and beyond.
Our training standards are rigorous. Final recognition isn’t decided by a single exam result; it reflects the complete picture – technical ability, professionalism, commitment to the programme, and the quality of work carried out on the tools.
A message from our Managing Director
Steve Willis: “Every single one of our award winners is a thoroughly deserving recipient of their recognition. Throughout their apprenticeships, their trainers and assessors consistently spoke highly of them, praising not only their technical ability but also their positive attitudes, professionalism, and continuous willingness to learn. They each approached every stage of their respective programmes with immense commitment and determination.
Completing an apprenticeship, passing the end-point assessment, and achieving industry certifications are significant milestones. These achievements require a high level of skill, knowledge, and practical competence.
Our winners should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. Their success directly reflects their own hard work and dedication, alongside the vital support, mentoring, and investment provided by their employers throughout their entire apprenticeship journeys.
These individuals are fantastic examples of exactly what can be achieved through a high-quality apprenticeship. On behalf of everyone at Steve Willis Training, we would like to congratulate our entire 2026 graduating cohort on completing their training, with a special mention to our award winners for their well-deserved honours. We wish every single one of them success as they continue to build their futures in the trade.”
Here are some of the stories of the achievers who were honoured at our recent graduation ceremonies.
The Portchester Standouts
Electrical Apprentice of the Year: Josh Quantick (Delta Smoke Control)
Josh completed his level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship over four years. His standout results in the rigorous AM2S End Point Assessment confirmed the incredible technical ability he showed throughout his training.
- In Josh’s Words: “There were some really strong apprentices in my year, so to be picked out like this means a huge amount. Passing AM2S was already a milestone, but to walk away with Apprentice of the Year on top of that is something I won’t forget. Thank you to everyone at Delta Smoke Control for backing me, and to the team at Steve Willis Training for the quality of teaching. I’m looking forward to building on it.”
- From the Employer: Steven Mortimer, Managing Director at Delta Smoke Control, couldn’t be prouder: “We could not be prouder of Josh. He has shown the kind of curiosity, professionalism and commitment to detail that this industry needs. To be recognised as Apprentice of the Year by Steve Willis Training — against such a strong field — is a fantastic achievement for him personally, and a clear validation of the investment we make in our people.”
Gas Apprentice of the Year: Thomas Leigh (Sovereign Network Group)
Thomas proved that while a Level 3 Gas Engineering Operative Apprenticeship is a major commitment, time flies when you’re mastering your craft.
- In Thomas’s Words: “My time at Steve Willis was fantastic! I started off thinking it was a long course however the time really did fly by. The staff are brilliant and are really helpful and supportive, the training facility is far better than previous centres that I’ve attended. To be given the Apprentice of the year award for me is a huge achievement and really does mean a lot.”
- From the Employer: Ian Lumsden, Manager at Sovereign Network Group: “Tom has done well throughout his apprenticeship, showing a great attitude and a genuine willingness to learn. His hard work paid off when he was named Apprentice of the Year, which was well deserved. Since then, he’s continued to grow in confidence and ability, developing into a reliable and knowledgeable gas engineer. He is someone who takes pride in his work, gets on well with customers and colleagues, and has become a valued member of the team.”
The Burgess Hill Standouts
Electrical Apprentice of the Year: Tyler Bennet (A.J. Taylor Electrical Contractors)
Tyler’s journey through his Level 3 Electrical Apprenticeship proved that preparation and genuine passion for the trade are the ultimate formula for success.
- In Tyler’s Words: “I really enjoyed my time at Steve Willis and thought the teaching quality was excellent. Winning this award means a lot to me, and I think it shows that being prepared, working hard, and taking a genuine interest in the trade really pays off. Winning a Megger tester for my troubles was also a lovely touch to top it off.”
Gas Apprentice of the Year: Zack Sulyman (I M Dunkerton Plumbing & Heating Ltd)
Zack has quickly transitioned from a learning apprentice to an indispensable part of the team at Dunkerton’s during his Level 3 Gas Engineering Apprenticeship.
- From the Employer: Ian Dunkerton, Managing Director at I M Dunkerton Plumbing & Heating, highlights just how vital Zack has become: “Zack’s become a vital asset to our team. He’s developed quickly from an apprentice to a key factor at Dunkerton’s. He’s a pleasure to work with and this award cements the kind of guy he is and deserves nothing less. I’m pleased we had a part to play in helping with giving Zack a place here, but he’s really done all the hard work so a massive well done.”
Electrical Recognition of Achievement: Sam Maher (RJH Electrical)
The Recognition of Achievement award highlights personal growth, and Sam’s story embodies why our staff love what they do. Facing the challenges of dyslexia, Sam excelled through hard work and targeted support.
- In Sam’s Words: “I really enjoyed my time at Steve Willis. It’s a great place to learn where the staff actually care about you and are passionate about the subjects they are teaching. I was really struggling due to being dyslexic and they really went out of their way to help me and make sure I got qualified and something like that really goes a long way.”
Gas Recognition of Achievement: Henry Brigden (Dorrington Plumbing & Heating)
Henry’s apprenticeship journey has been a remarkable story of personal transformation, stepping completely out of his comfort zone to build a bright career.
- From the Employer: Matt, Manager, and Rachel, Office Manager at Dorrington Plumbing & Heating: “Henry came on board with us as a shy but enthusiastic young man who lacked confidence but wanted to step outside of his comfort zone and push himself to achieve something. We are extremely proud of how Henry has developed over the years, although Henry initially struggled with both the physical and demanding mental aspects of the job he turned up every day, on time and with a positive attitude which has led him to the successes that he has achieved not only at college but also in his career so far.
We see a bright future for Henry as a skilled engineer and an integral part of our ever growing company. Well done from us all Henry, you deserve all the success, you’ve certainly put the time and effort in!!”
Why Individual Competence Matters Now More Than Ever
These exceptional wins come at an incredibly important moment for our industries. Across both the gas and electrical sectors, there is a heightened scrutiny on individual competence. Modern regulatory frameworks, like the Building Safety Act 2022, continue to raise the bar for anyone working on critical safety and engineering systems.
Achieving these apprenticeship standards means our learners’ competence has been independently assessed and verified. They have proven in live, practical assessment environments that they can work safely, accurately and to the exact technical standards required by modern industry. That gives peace of mind to our apprentices, confidence to their employers, and safety to the customers they serve.
Ready to Shape the Next Generation?
The success of this year’s graduating cohort is the perfect example of where a high-quality apprenticeship can lead.
- For Employers: If you want to develop your next generation of qualified, highly skilled engineers, let us help you source and train the ultimate asset for your business.
- For Learners: If you want to earn while you learn, overcome challenges, and launch a rewarding, lifelong career, our programmes are the perfect starting point.
Get in touch with our team today:
- Portchester: 02392 190190
- Burgess Hill: 01444 870860
- Email: apprenticeships@stevewillis.com
