Pritam Bhojani, who is studying a Degree Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at ARU while working for Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin group, was one of around 300 entrants to the awards from across the country.
Pritam, 21 and from Perivale in west London, chose to study for a Degree Apprenticeship after attending a UCAS exhibition. The Degree Apprenticeship has helped him continue his studies, while gaining real-world experience.
Since being employed by Atkins, he has worked on significant infrastructure projects such as Sizewell C and the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing.
Pritam, who began his Degree Apprenticeship in 2018, said: “Winning this award is an endorsement of my belief and commitment to the cause of Apprenticeships – especially within the Asian community – and is a reflection of the hard work and effort that I have invested in my work.
“One of the highlights of my Apprenticeship journey was being specifically chosen by one of Atkins’ senior civil engineers to work on Feltham Re-Signalling, taking on the role of an Assistant Engineer.
“Working on this project has allowed me to delve deeper and gain a greater insight into the modernisation of old railway infrastructure. I have been responsible for designing fundamental structures that keep the railway safe and moving.
“The journey has been incredibly demanding but the knowledge that I have picked up and the lessons that I have learnt has been simply invaluable.”
The ceremony took place online, having been postponed from the original July date due to COVID-19.
Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice president of BTEC and Apprenticeships at Pearson, who sponsor the awards, said, “We were delighted by the number of high-quality applicants received this year. It has been another great opportunity to showcase and celebrate so many inspirational BAME Apprentices and to learn about their individual journeys.
“We are so proud to be sponsoring these Awards – seeing so many realise their potential, ambition and aspirations. We would like to thank all the participants, the nominees, and winners for taking part in these awards and wish them all continued success."