Celebrating the achievements of adult learners and apprentices in the city
On Wednesday 4 March, we hosted a special event at Jubilee Library recognising and celebrating the achievements of adult learners and apprentices in Brighton & Hove.
The Citywide Skills Celebration was delivered in partnership with the Sussex Council of Training Providers (SCTP). Learners from a range of programmes attended the event, including apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps and Adult and Community Learning, alongside their employers and training providers.
Awards
Five awards were presented for exceptional achievement.
Adult & Community Learning Learner of the Year
Winner: Ahmed Ruhel, Entry 2 ESOL at Brighton & Hove City Council’s Adult Skills Hub
Apprenticeship Learner of the Year
Winner: Nicola Parsons, Operations Manager Level 5 at the University of Sussex
Skills Bootcamp Learner of the Year
Winner: Andrew Rugman, Project Management at Brighton & Hove Education Academy
Training Provider of the Year
Winner: Brighton & Hove Education Academy
Employer of the Year
Winner: Cheesmur
Inspirational stories
Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “I was delighted to join learners and apprentices from across Brighton & Hove at our first Citywide Skills Celebration at Jubilee Library.
“We heard inspirational stories from learners from a range of programmes and sectors that highlighted the impact of education, learning and skills in the city, alongside live music and guests talks.
“I’d like to congratulate all of the learners, training providers and employers that were nominated and recognise their important impact on Brighton & Hove's local economy and the city’s communities.”
With thanks
The Brighton & Hove Citywide Skills Celebration 2026 was delivered in partnership with The Sussex Council of Training Providers.
The event is made possible through the generosity of our event sponsors, including headline sponsor Creative Process, alongside event sponsors Mackley, University of Sussex, NFRC, Functional Skills UK, Encore, Aldridge Adult Learning, BCS Robertson, Compass Travel, Farrendale, Next Step Apprenticeships and PayByPhone.
Find out more
There are a variety of training programmes and learning pathways available to adults in the city, giving residents the opportunity to develop skills relevant for a wide range of sectors, careers and roles.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship could be a good choice if you enjoy a practical, hands-on style of learning. Find out if an apprenticeship is right for you on the government’s apprenticeships website.
Explore local opportunities by viewing apprenticeship vacancies at the council or apprenticeship vacancies in Brighton & Hove. You can also find local apprenticeship training providers through SCTP's Apprenticeships In Sussex service.
Apprentices combine paid work with study to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job. You can employ apprentices at different levels, from school leavers to people who want to further their careers or retrain.
Find out more about the benefits of hiring an apprentice and how employing an apprentice works
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps offer free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, designed to help adults upskill and retrain in sectors with skills shortages. They are employer-led, focusing on building in-demand skills and offering participants a job interview on completion. 
Find out more and apply for Skills Bootcamps.
Adult education
There are a range of part-time qualifications and community learning courses for Brighton & Hove residents aged 19 and over, including courses in:
- work and employability skills
- English, Maths and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- wellbeing and personal development
Visit our adult education hub to view and apply for courses.
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service provides information and advice about careers, employment and training. You can visit the National Careers Service website to find a course to help you get a job or develop your skills.