National Apprenticeship Week was an exciting and inspiring time at Bury College, filled with activities that helped mark the occasion and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication and achievements of Apprentices.
Our talented Art and Design students recently received recognition for their artwork after entering a nationwide arts and crafts competition. As part of their course projects, tutor Beverleigh Claypool supported her students as they entered their work in the Crafts Council-organised competition.
The challenge was set by Crafts Council trustee and multidisciplinary artist Yinka Ilori, an artist that designs playgrounds and pavilions by drawing on his British-Nigerian heritage.
They worked to a deadline and a live brief based on play, storytelling, and empowerment.
In terms of awards, Art, Design and Media student Diane Mwamikazi won the main KS4 national prize for Craft School: Yinka's Challenge. The efforts of the whole class have also been recognised. All students have had their work shortlisted, and they will all receive a certificate.
Diane, formerly of Mount St Joseph school said: “I love the colours in Yinka’s work. It inspired me to make my own work colourful. I am proud of what I created, and I am excited to go down to London for the awards ceremony.”
In addition to Diana and the group’s success, the Craft Council also recognised Bev’s teaching and the impact on her learners. They have awarded her the Craft School: Yinka's Challenge - Teacher's prize. Beverleigh has been invited to the celebration event at the Craft Council to collect her award. She has also been offered a spot in the exhibition to display one of her own works.
The tutor added: “I am humbled by the recognition, grateful that they have recognised Diane’s and her fellow students’ work in this difficult time.”
Rebecca Goozee, Education Manager at the Craft Council, said: “The judges for Craft Council's first year of Craft School: Yinka's Challenge were blown away by the quality of craft work from Bury College.
“They felt that Diane's work encapsulated the ideas behind our Make First learning framework and connected well with Yinka Ilori's playful making style. Such a delight!
“The impact of Beverleigh's teaching was clear in all of the entries from Bury College and her dedication to furthering her learners’ practice was evident in all the conversations we had over the year. Two wonderful and well-deserving winners!”
If you want to utilise your creativity, why not check out our range of vocational Art and Design courses via the following link: https://burycollege.ac.uk/subject/art-and-design/VOC/
National Apprenticeship Week was an exciting and inspiring time at Bury College, filled with activities that helped mark the occasion and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication and achievements of Apprentices.
On Monday 9th February, Bury College’s Hairdressing Apprentices came together for a charity Blowdryathon, raising almost £500 for Little Lady Locks during National Apprenticeship Week!
On Wednesday 11th February, as part of National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, Bury College proudly hosted an Apprenticeship Star Awards Ceremony.
Employers - did you know that now is the perfect time to start thinking about your school leaver Apprenticeship vacancies?
Shape the future of education and find out about opportunities to work at Bury College at our Work for Us Event 2026. Find out about a wide range of career opportunities including teaching, business, and governance roles.
Find out how our Performing Arts students are developing their skills in this year's Christmas Panto.