Housing 21 apprentice reaches national awards ceremony following regional award win 

Housing 21 employee, Nayan Patel is celebrating his award win for The British Army Higher Apprentice of the Year Award at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards which took place at the West Midlands regional ceremony.  

Nayan started at Housing 21 in 2022 as a T Level student whilst studying Digital Support Services at Dudley College, and is now working towards his Level 4 Business Analyst apprenticeship while also working as an IT Service Engineer.  

When asked about his award win, Nayan said: “I am over the moon to be recognised as West Midlands Apprentice of the Year. Being an apprentice with Housing 21 is great as I get to learn while doing what I love and I’m looking forward to the national awards ceremony in November.” 

(Pictured: Nayan Patel, (fourth from the left) receiving his award at the West Midlands regional awards ceremony)  

The award submission written by his line manager, Nithan Thevabalan which helped him secure the win outlined his transition from student to apprentice. Nayan is an inspiring example of how dedication and innovation can create opportunities for career progression in the IT industry. 

Jenny Docherty, Apprenticeship Lead at Housing 21 nominated Nayan for the award for his dedication to continually looking for ways to improve and providing excellent service. She said: “I am delighted that Nayan has won the regional award for Apprentice of the Year.  

“It is well deserved; he’s an asset to the team and to Housing 21. I’ve got everything crossed for him for the final award!” 

Housing 21 offer career development opportunities in a range of fields for new and existing employees and currently have over 300 employees working towards apprenticeship programmes.  

The winners of each regional category will be shortlisted at the national awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday 27 November 2024 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, to take the crown of National Apprentice of the Year.